]]>It’s the weekly Flagship podcast and there’s plenty for Brian and Michael to talk about. The guys talk about AJ Lee’s retirement and they recap WWE Raw from Monday night which saw plenty of Big Show, Kane and Ryback. Plus, they discuss Chris Jericho’s live sitdown on the WWE Network with John Cena, Steve Austin explaining if he has heat with the WWE, SmackDown changing channels, Tough Enough returning, Scott Steiner allegedly threatening to kill Hulk Hogan and more including your questions.

]]>http://www.betweentheropes.com/2015/04/08/the-flagship-wwe-raw-chris-jericho-1-on-1-with-john-cena-steve-austin-gives-his-side-and-scott-steiner-is-angry/feed/0It's the weekly Flagship podcast and there's plenty for Brian and Michael to talk about. The guys talk about AJ Lee's retirement and they recap WWE Raw from Monday night which saw plenty of Big Show, Kane and Ryback. Plus,It's the weekly Flagship podcast and there's plenty for Brian and Michael to talk about. The guys talk about AJ Lee's retirement and they recap WWE Raw from Monday night which saw plenty of Big Show, Kane and Ryback. Plus, they discuss Chris Jericho's live sitdown on the WWE Network with John Cena, Steve Austin explaining if he has heat with the WWE, SmackDown changing channels, Tough Enough returning, Scott Steiner allegedly threatening to kill Hulk Hogan and more including your questions.
Subscribe to Between The Ropes on iTunes so you automatically get the latest podcasts and make sure to give us your review and comments on iTunes. You can also subscribe to Between The Ropes on Stitcher.Brian Fritzno1:30:30Where Does #GiveDivasAChance Go Without AJ Lee?http://www.betweentheropes.com/2015/04/06/where-does-givedivasachance-go-without-aj-lee/
http://www.betweentheropes.com/2015/04/06/where-does-givedivasachance-go-without-aj-lee/#commentsMon, 06 Apr 2015 18:36:43 +0000http://www.betweentheropes.com/?p=17546WWE’s most popular Diva just took her Chucks and went home. At least, that’s what it looks like. It’s not that AJ Lee left the company under any bad terms, but she was essentially the face of the #GiveDivasAChance movement that’s overtaken pro wrestling social media for the last few months. While it was a ...

]]>WWE’s most popular Diva just took her Chucks and went home. At least, that’s what it looks like.

It’s not that AJ Lee left the company under any bad terms, but she was essentially the face of the #GiveDivasAChance movement that’s overtaken pro wrestling social media for the last few months. While it was a 30-second Divas division tag-match with Paige and Emma facing The Bellas that sparked the hashtag revolution, it’s been AJ Lee front-and-center fanning the flames.

Look no further than the way AJ called out Stephanie McMahon out very publicly for unfair gender wage bias in WWE:

@StephMcMahon Your female wrestlers have record selling merchandise & have starred in the highest rated segment of the show several times,

And of course, the fact that AJ Lee was part of the ONLY Diva’s match at WrestleMania 31 (alongside her heir to the geek throne, Paige), in a winning effort no less, makes her even more important. She called out the boss publicly and still managed to keep her position. Get somebody else who isn’t named John Cena Brock Lesnar to try that one and survive.

It helps that AJ Lee was an all-around talent. She was great on the microphone, impressive in the ring, and had an uncanny ability to both be herself and connect with the WWE Universe. She won the Diva of the Year slammy in both 2012 and 2014, and still earned her internet street cred by being the first diva ever to be named Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Woman of the Year for three consecutive years.

Plus, she’s the longest-reigning Diva’s Champion of all time.

So with AJ Lee leaving WWE for greener pastures, where does the #GiveDivasAChance movement go?

Simple: to the NXT talent itching for their shot.

Paige absolutely stole the show upon her debut last year. It helped that she was the defending NXT Women’s Champion at the time, and that WWE put the strap on her the first time she showed up on Monday Night Raw, but she took what could’ve been a meaningless story line way to “get over” and turn it into an impressive summer-long run. When they re-paired her with AJ last July, both women benefited from an increased Diva’s presence and a more prestigious title.

And WWE is back in that same spot again. Talent like Charlotte, Sasha Banks, and Bayley have been delivering main-event caliber matches for weeks. At the recent NXT house show during Wrestlemania weekend, the battle between Charlotte and Sasha Banks absolutely stole the show, much like they did on NXT television just a few short weeks prior.

That’s what the company needs, though. More one-on-one matches that have some teeth. Let the women show off some good ol’ fashion wrasslin’ holds, get battered and beat up, and fight for a prestigious belt. While it’s great that you can get even MORE women on the card if they go two-on-two… or three-on-three… or four-on-four… the division needs to be about singles competition.

There’s plenty of talent for it, too. Sure, many of the Divas have found a niche on Total Divas – which is great cross-promotion for both WWE and women’s wrestling – but it’s important to showcase the pure athleticism these women have. Don’t just #GiveDivasAChance, give them a meaty storyline. Develop an NXT faction that rises up and challenges the Divas division for all the marbles. Heck, unify the NXT and Diva’s championship in an eight woman elimination ‘King of the Ring’ style tournament that sees a young gun – preferably Charlotte or Sasha Banks – come out on top. And maybe… eventually… we could see Divas main-evening a WrestleMania one day.

Plus, with the recently announced Divas Search on the WWE Network, there should be plenty of talent to fill the ranks down in NXT.

While it’s a shame to see AJ Lee leave WWE at the peak of her career, it gives WWE a number of options moving forward. It’s just about whether the company decides to capitalize on them or not.

There’s money to be made in a hearty Women’s division, lets just hope WWE doesn’t leave it on the table.

]]>http://www.betweentheropes.com/2015/04/06/where-does-givedivasachance-go-without-aj-lee/feed/0AJ Lee Makes First Public Statement Since WWE Retirementhttp://www.betweentheropes.com/2015/04/06/aj-lee-makes-first-public-statement-since-wwe-retirement/
http://www.betweentheropes.com/2015/04/06/aj-lee-makes-first-public-statement-since-wwe-retirement/#commentsMon, 06 Apr 2015 15:19:27 +0000http://www.betweentheropes.com/?p=17538AJ Lee shocked the world this past Friday night when she announced her retirement. Only days after WWE’s biggest show of the year, WWE.com told viewers in a short and to the point news brief that Lee was no longer with the company, and wished her the best (but, notably, not in her future endeavors). ...

]]>AJ Lee shocked the world this past Friday night when she announced her retirement. Only days after WWE’s biggest show of the year, WWE.com told viewers in a short and to the point news brief that Lee was no longer with the company, and wished her the best (but, notably, not in her future endeavors).

Guess she felt like two days was more than enough time for speculation. This morning, AJ took to Twitter and made a vague statement about chasing your dreams, with a picture displaying her trademark Chuck Taylor high-top wrestling shoes propped up next to a luggage bag.

Break the rules. Be a fighter. Any dream is possible if you are brave enough to do it YOUR way. Thank you all. pic.twitter.com/qu7bBOMFdu

]]>http://www.betweentheropes.com/2015/04/06/aj-lee-makes-first-public-statement-since-wwe-retirement/feed/0AJ Lee Exits WWEhttp://www.betweentheropes.com/2015/04/03/aj-lee-exits-wwe/
http://www.betweentheropes.com/2015/04/03/aj-lee-exits-wwe/#commentsFri, 03 Apr 2015 23:38:34 +0000http://www.betweentheropes.com/?p=17511Arguably the most talented Diva on the WWE roster has exited the company. WWE.com posted a shockingly brief statement earlier today: AJ Lee (April Mendez) has decided to retire from in-ring competition with WWE. We wish AJ the very best. AJ’s exit from the promotion comes just over a year after the unceremonious departure of ...

]]>Arguably the most talented Diva on the WWE roster has exited the company. WWE.com posted a shockingly brief statement earlier today:

AJ Lee (April Mendez) has decided to retire from in-ring competition with WWE. We wish AJ the very best.

AJ’s exit from the promotion comes just over a year after the unceremonious departure of her husband, CM Punk, with both wrestlers exiting in their prime.

Though AJ’s split from the WWE wasn’t quite as abrupt as Punk’s (who had just dropped the WWE Title to The Rock at the Royal Rumble, and was, likely, in the midst of a Wrestlemania program with Triple H), it was not without its own amount of vitriol.

A February Tweet from Lee, to company Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon stated: “@StephMcMahon Your female wrestlers have record selling merchandise & have starred in the highest rated segment of the show several times, and yet they receive a fraction of the wages & screen time of the majority of the male roster. #UseYourVoice”

McMahon’s passive-aggressive Twitter response, “Thank you @WWEAJLee, I appreciate your opinion. #UseYourVoice,” no doubt led to backstage friction between the two.

Adding to the drama was the ongoing situation with CM Punk.

Many assumed that, at the very least, the backstage atmosphere could not have been comfortable to Lee or, on a stronger note, that Lee’s storylines may not have been as juicy because of Punk’s ongoing legal battle with WWE and Dr. Chris Amann, after Punk’s critical remarks about the promotion’s doctor on Colt Cabana’s podcast last November.

The same podcast revealed many other ugly claims by Punk, including being rushed back after serious surgery, the WWE’s withholding of his royalties, and being given a pink slip on the couple’s wedding day. If any, or all, of these claims were true, it had to have led AJ to develop a strong disdain for her former employer.

As one of the best female workers in the company, Lee probably hoped to escape the madness of backstage politics by putting on top-tier matches in the ring. Unfortunately, the WWE Universe would not allow her any respite, often loudly chanting her husband’s name whenever she made a live appearance.

All in all, ‘retiring’ from the sport was probably the best course of action for AJ Lee. Hopefully, this series of unfortunate events has not completely soured her on the business, as it did her husband, and we can see a return to the ring sometime in the future.

Rollins starts talking about how good it feels when a plan works out perfectly, referring to his Money in the Bank cash-in at Wrestlemania, which gets a mixed reaction from the crowd. He declares himself the new face of the WWE, and says he’s now proven that he’s the best wrestler in the world before going over his itinerary with working the Today Show before going across the country to RAW and hearing about Lesnar wanting his rematch. He blames not defending the belt on being jet-lagged, again. Rollins says Lesnar is to blame for not getting his title shot due to his lack of self-control, and calls him an animal that is out of his mind, reminding us again that Lesnar is suspended.

Rollins get interrupted by Randy Orton, who comes out to a big pop. Orton says he remembers all that Rollins did to him, including the Curbstomp onto the steps that sidelined him for months, and then beating him at Wrestlemania 31 before Seth cashed in his Money in the Bank. Orton claims he’s still owed a rematch from last year’s Wrestlemania, and demands a title shot again Rollins. A big “RKO” chant erupts before Rollins says Orton shouldn’t dwell on the past when the present and future of the WWE is standing in the ring in Rollins.

He denies Orton’s demand and says he and he alone decides when the next title shot happens. Orton says Rollins never does anything alone, before insulting J&J security, then Kane and Big Show. He congratulates Show for winning the Andre the Giant Battle Royal, and rips on Kane for not having a match at Wrestlemania. He says Kane from being “The Big Red Monster to Little Red Riding Hood.” I laughed at that. Kane decides to make a match. It’ll be Randy Orton vs The Big Show. He says if Orton can beat Show, that The Authority may reconsider his request for a title match. That match starts right now.

Josh’s Reaction: Thought it was okay opener. This Rollins promo was eerly similar to the promo he conducted on the shows before WrestleMania. I thought he addressed all the major storyline bullet points perfectly yet still had the crowd booing him. JJ Security and Show/Kane are perfect trolls and sycaphants which makes their clapping during Rollins promo’s more funny and heelish. Orton promo was good and it was expected especially with the fact that he does have a right to go after the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Big Show taking advantage early, and throwing Orton into the corner before hitting hitting a splash in the corner followed by a dropkick by Orton that sends Show onto the apron. Orton goes for the Hangman’s DDT and connects! He calls for the RKO, but is attacked by J&J security to end the match very quickly by DQ. After the match, they continue the assault until Orton gains the upperhand briefly. Kane chokeslams Orton before Ryback’s music hits for a huge pop. Rollins and Show flee as Ryback clears house of Kane. Mercury and Kane take RKOs as Noble eats a Shellshocked.

Winner: Randy Orton by DQ

Josh’s Reaction: Not much to say about the match because there was barely a match, but the post match brawl was solid. Always funny seeing the stooges and Kane getting RKO’s, but I don’t understand the involvement of Ryback. Yea I get it Ryback was Orton tag partner on Raw, but unless Ryback is going to be in the world title picture he should not insert himself in these matches.

Josh’s Grade for this Match/Storyline: 75/100 C

Second Match: Naomi vs. Natalya

The two girls ran the ropes early and then both went for a drop kick. They lock up, Natalya backs Naomi into the corner. Natalya hit a powerslam followed by a drop kick for two count. Natalya mounted her and landed a series of right hands. Natalya went for the sharpshooter, but blocked and Naomi sent Natalya face first into the mat for the win. Naomi and Nikki Bella had a stare down after the match.

Winner: Naomi

Josh’s Reaction: The Bella Twins were on the commentary during this match and they spent the majority of the match talking about how Naomi is Jimmy Uso’s wife instead of the fact that Naomi pinned Nikki Bella on Raw. Non title victories do matter I think it’s cool that Naomi says that hey you doubt her and you feel that she doesn’t belong in the title picture let her prove you wrong, but she does have a claim to go after the Divas Championship. This wouldn’t be the first time where WWE has teased Naomi getting inserted in the Divas Title Picture, but in year’s past injuries and etc stray Naomi away. Hopefully that doesn’t happen this time because I think that her and Nikki Bella can have some solid matches.

Josh’s Grade for this Match/Storyline: 78/100 C+

Kane, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose Backstage Segment:

Kane furious backstage about the RKO. Seth comes in and laughs with Kane about possibly giving Orton a title shot. Kane says he was serious about it, and says that Orton vs Rollins would be a solid main event for Extreme Rules in four weeks. Rollins asks if he’s really buying into Orton’s shtick and says “this stinks.” He’s referring to the office as Dean Ambrose emerges from Kane’s personal bathroom. The crowd has a laugh and so do I. Kane books Ambrose in a match with Luke Harper later tonight.

Josh’s Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 81/100 B-

Roman Reigns Interview:

Roman says it was a huge honor to be apart of the main event, and said his plan was to come out swinging. Roman says he showed people he’s willing to take a beating, and knew it was going to be brutal. He said he “dusted his ass off,” that’s a weird way to phrase it. He said he visited Suplex City and stopped at every place in it. Roman claims he survived Suplex City and that he’s thinking of buying a condo there. He says Lesnar wasn’t ready for him, and that he didn’t have an answer for Reigns. He said he changed his appearance permanently. Byron asks Reigns about smiling and laughing at Brock during the match. Reigns says it was just the type of fight it was.

It changed his life, Brock’s life and things won’t be the same. He said Lesnar was trying to take him out, and he was spitting out blood and smiling in his face. “Lesnar legitimately could not knock out Roman Reigns” interesting line. Byron brings up Seth cashing in Money in the Bank, and Reigns said it was a terrible moment. That he was at the top of the mountain, before Rollins pulled him right off in a matter of moments. He gave Rollins credit for picking the perfect moment to cash in Money in the Bank, but Reigns says he proved he “can and will” have beat Brock Lesnar. He said he only needed a couple of more seconds, and that he can, he has and he will beat Seth Rollins again.

Josh’s Reaction: Thought this was one of the better sit-down interviews that Roman has had during this whole fiasco. Reigns showed that he doesn’t care about who doubts him and he’s ready to go through all obstacles and have a smile on his face even during the hard times of battle. Funny line about how he would buy a condo in Suplex City thought that was nice. Reigns had a laser eye approach on this interview and he was breif and to the point as far as what’s he going to do to get the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. It’s going to be interesting to see these two former Shield members finally have a one-on-one feud and now that the title is involved that brings more intrigued to this feud.

Josh’s Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 92/100 A-

Third Match: The Miz vs. R-Truth

Shoulder block by Miz, duck then hiptoss by Truth. Miz charges at Truth but takes a calf kick and then a corner splash instead. Truth goes for the axe kick, but Miz reverses into a roll up. Miz goes out to the apron and kicks Truth in the stomach before hitting a Skull Crushing Finale for the three. Mizdow runs in after the match and hits the Skull Crushing Finale on Miz to big cheers before putting on Miz’s sunglasses and posing for the crowd.

Winner: The Miz

Josh’s Grade for this Match/Storyline: 80/100 B-

John Cena and Rusev Segment:

He says finally the United States Championship will get the respect it deserves. He said Rusev as champion made him sick, not because he’s Russian, but because he’s a dick. He claims Rusev is the American dream, stating he’s an immigrant who came and became successful, instead of being grateful, he told Americans they suck. Cena says America doesn’t suck, and he’s a proud American as well as a proud US Champion. He quotes the Statue of Liberty and says “bring me your outcasts, bring me your underdogs, your future stars, your have nots” etc etc. He says he’ll basically fight anybody. I’m hoping for David Arquette’s long awaited wrestling return. Cena talks about his open challenge from RAW, and announces he will do the same thing each and every week. This could be interesting. Rusev’s music hits and out he comes with Lana. She says what happened at Wrestlemania was not an opportunity, but a travesty.

She tells the mild crowd to shut up and says Cena is half the man that Rusev is. She says we should all be grateful we live in the era of-. Rusev cuts her off and says he didn’t lost at Wrestlemania, and claims he’s still champion and calls himself a Russian Tank. Can’t deny that, he did come out in one. He says Cena and Americans are cowards and starts talking in Russian. He says it’s Rusev’s Domain, his country, his world. He gives Cena the opportunity to surrender the title or to be crushed at Extreme Rules. Rusev is holding his own well here. Cena calls him drunk and does what he does best, undermine his opponents. Rusev starts walking down the ring and Cena says the champ is here. Rusev starts talking Russian again and waves the flag around with intensity. He tries to make the Russian flag drop, but nothing falls. He tries again and fails again. Cena mocks him and drops down an American flag instead, followed by Cena naming a bunch of different things that are American before accepting Rusev’s challenge for Extreme Rules.

Josh’s Reaction: Thought it was good segment! Will this be the payoff for the Cena/Rusev feud at Extreme Rules? If so I’m down for one more match with these two guys.

Josh’s Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 87/100 B+

Fourth Match: Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper

Match starts with Ambrose going right after Harper and driving him into the corner with some strikes. Elbow by Ambrose followed by a diving uppercut from the second rope. Snapmare by Ambrose and a falling clothesline with a quick elbow for a one count. Harper hits Ambrose in the throat and hits a few more throat thrusts before choking him in the corner. Strike exchange now before Harper eats a kick and a strike combo by Ambrose. Crossbody attempt by Ambrose is thwarted when Harper catches him and dumps him out of the ring. Harper is in control, but misses a big boot in the corner that sends Harper over the top. Ambrose goes for a suicide dive, but Harper catches him, so Ambrose swings around the bottom rope and hits a lariat.

Rolls Harper into the ring and goes up top for the top rope elbow to a standing Harper for two. Ambrose hits a few strikes in the corner and goes for a dropkick but eats a vicious big boot by Harper. Harper calls for a powerbomb, but Ambrose reverses and tosses Harper over the top rope. Ambrose rushes Harper outside the ring, but Harper throws him into the timekeeper’s area and rips apart the announce table. Ambrose jumps off the barricade with a big forearm. Ambrose tries to powerbomb Harper into the table, but that doesn’t work well. Harper throws him against the ring post a couple of times and powerbombs Ambrose through the announce table for a nice spot. No bell every officially rings, but the referee throws up the X and calls for EMTs.

Result: No Contest

Josh’s Grade for this Match/Storyline: 91/100 A-

Prime Time Players Promo:

They cut a promo on New Day, and Titus is spraying himself with water before randomly shouting “FEEL-AHHHH THE POW-AHHHH” he says Big E has no rhythm, Kofi Kingston has a weird chest and Xavier Woods has bad hair.

Josh’s Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 84/100 B

Sheamus Promo:

He said the reason he attacked Ziggler and Bryan was simple, because he can. He said while he was injured, he asked him out “where have all the real men gone.” He said Ziggler and Bryan make Kevin Hart look like Shaquille O’Neal. He said he’s not here to put a smile on the fans faces, but he’s “simply here to crush your hopes and dreams.” He said he won’t stop until he puts all the fans’ little underdogs out of their misery.

Josh’s Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 95/100 A

Fifth Match: Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus

Sheamus throws Bryan into the corner as soon as the match starts, but Bryan fought out of it with a series of kicks. Sheamus rolled to the floor. Back in the ring, Bryan landed a series of kicks to the chest of Sheamus. Bryan went for a move, but Sheamus caught him with a back breaker. Sheamus in control of Bryan. Sheamus beats down Bryan until Bryan makes his comeback when Bryan caught him with a flying clothesline. The fans started chanting YES. Bryan sends Sheamus to the floor and then followed it up with a dive through the ropes. Back in the ring, Bryan went for a kick, but it was caught and Sheamus went for White Noise.

Bryan reversed and went for the YES lock, but Sheamus blocked. Sheamus threw Bryan into the corner, but Bryan reversed and kicked him in the face. Bryan went to the top rope, but Sheamus knocked him down. Bryan still sitting on the top rope, Sheamus landed a series of uppercuts. Sheamus dragged Bryan down and hit a neck breaker. Sheamus put Bryan on the apron and knocked him down. Bryan popped up and is bleeding from his forehead. Bad News Barrett hit Bryan with the Bull Hammer. Bryan got counted out and Sheamus is your winner. Sheamus celebrates in the ring and walked up the stage to end the show.

]]>http://www.betweentheropes.com/2015/04/02/wwe-smackdown-4215-results-reaction/feed/0WWE, #GiveDivasAChance to Headline WrestleMania 32http://www.betweentheropes.com/2015/04/01/wwe-givedivasachance-to-headline-wrestlemania-32/
http://www.betweentheropes.com/2015/04/01/wwe-givedivasachance-to-headline-wrestlemania-32/#commentsWed, 01 Apr 2015 12:00:11 +0000http://www.betweentheropes.com/?p=17444WrestleMania 31 is in the past, and the long-awaited trip to AT&T Stadium for WrestleMania 32 is underway. There is no shortage of potential stories that could make this important event special, and put it on the path toward breaking the all-time indoor attendance record. And that is precisely why the WWE should give Divas ...

]]>WrestleMania 31 is in the past, and the long-awaited trip to AT&T Stadium for WrestleMania 32 is underway.

There is no shortage of potential stories that could make this important event special, and put it on the path toward breaking the all-time indoor attendance record. And that is precisely why the WWE should give Divas the chance to headline WrestleMania.

The world is changing for the better. Fans are becoming more open to women’s wrestling. NXT has facilitated this revolution. There is a political and cultural shift happening in this country. Corporate entities are under pressure to show equality in the workforce, and the WWE has already felt the pressure with #GiveDivasAChance. They can get out in front by putting them on a pedestal in historic fashion.

There are two main concerns that jump off the page when this is posed – can they put forth a main event quality match and can they draw.

The first question has been answered by NXT. This new group of women wrestlers are stellar from a technical and storytelling aspect. The WWE roster has also grown over the years. Most notably, Nikki Bella is one of the most improved performers on the entire roster over the last 12 months.

There is enough talent that the WWE could put on a compelling high-level bout with their current female roster. That leads to the second question – can they draw?

With the right creative, yes. More importantly, they do not have to carry the card.

WrestleMania has been carried by the main event in the past, but that time is gone. As Chris Jericho and Daniel Bryan pointed out on Talk Is Jericho the main event is not necessarily the main event anymore. Look at the past WrestleMania’s that the main event was not the focus.

WrestleMania X8 is the first that comes to mind. Chris Jericho vs. Triple H was the main event, but WrestleMania X8 was all about The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan. The very next year was headlined by Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle, but the piece de resistance was the trilogy bout between Steve Austin and The Rock.

Shawn Michaels overshadowed WrestleMania XXIV with Ric Flair, and the next year he did the same with The Undertaker. At WrestleMania XXVII The End of An Era match was the focal point for fans – not John Cena vs. The Miz.

WrestleMania 32 can get away with a Divas Championship main event because of how incredible the card could be. What are some of the speculated options the WWE has on the table?

Brock Lesnar vs. The Rock, a Steve Austin return, The Undertaker vs. Sting retirement match, and still the WWE Championship looms. The card would already be filled to the gills of superstars to draw in the 100,000+ fans. The worry could be that those fans would leave before the main event, and while that is a possibility the WWE can circumvent that with a key, fan-friendly gimmick.

Imagine a 6-woman ladder match for the renamed women’s championship. Fans are not going to leave before witnessing the ladder match. The renaming of the title alone shows they put women and men on equal footing by calling them superstars instead of divas.

Bayley, Charlotte, and Sasha Banks are all ready to be called up to the main roster. Emma and Summer Rae have also shown talent in the ring, but have not been utilized to the best of their ability. Add them into the mix of AJ Lee, Paige, Nikki Bella, Natalya, and Naomi you have a credible list to chose from. Picking six credible women to headline the biggest show of all would not be a difficult task if build right.

Imagine the visual of the show closing with a woman grabbing the championship from the top of the ladder to close the show. The historic moment would garner WWE positive mainstream press, and it would be an inspiring, emotional visual.

It is the perfect way to cap off the historic event in historic fashion. The WWE just has to give them the chance.

Scott Stanford, Corey Graves, and David Otunga hosted the show from WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. Stanford hyped the Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns face-to-face confrontation, and Snoop Dogg and Bill Simmons for Raw. The hosts hyped that Sting will open Raw. Backstage at Raw, Renee Young interviewed The Bella Twins. Brie said they’re not worried about “Team Stale & Pale.” Nikki said they are going to give Divas a chance on Raw. She said she will defend her title against either AJ Lee or Paige. She said Lee and Paige have to decide which one of them gets the title match.

Otunga said Brock Lesnar has taken a page out of young Mike Tyson’s book. He said Tyson used to stare people down and intimidate them. Graves said Roman Reigns has done a great job of keeping his cool and not being manipulated by Paul Heyman. Graves said this is Lesnar’s last chance to get inside the head of Reigns. Good breakdown. The hosts focussed on the Rusev vs. John Cena match for WrestleMania 31. Footage aired of Cena’s sit-down interview with Michael Cole. Graves said Cena is fighting for 300 million Americans. Stanford questioned whether Rusev will be able to stay focussed once he’s in front of 80,000 fans and millions watching around the world. Graves said Rusev’s record speaks for itself – he’s undefeated. Otunga said working in front of 80,000 people will blow him away. Randy Orton will face Big Show, Kane, or Seth Rollins & J&J Security. The decision is up to the app voters. Sadly, “none of the above” is an option.

WWE Monday Night Raw:

Sting & The Authority Segment:

“Sting! Sting! Sting!” chants the fans as Sting holds a mic. “So, this is what it feels like to kick off Monday Night RAW, huh?!” The fans explode. Sting talks about watching Triple H rise through the ranks for years, back-stabbing people, being under-handed and doing any-and-everything to get to the top of WWE. He says he is the last solider standing from some forgotten war, but he’s not here to fight for WCW. He says that would be ridiculous at this point. He says he’s here for one reason — to take Triple H — DOWN. Before he can continue, Sting is interrupted by Stephanie McMahon’s theme. The billion dollar princess makes her way to the ring as Sting waits for her. “So this is what it feels like to be in the ring with the Stinger, the last hold-up of WCW,” opens Stephanie. She congratulates Sting on finally making it to the big-time. Stephanie tells Sting he’s lucky to be in the ring with her. She tells him to soak it in.

Sting tells Stephanie she’s had everything handed to her, but tells her it’s nice to finally meet her. Stephanie says she can tell Sting is intimidated by her. She says in WCW, Sting was a great big fish in a teeny-tiny pond, but in WWE, he’s a tiny minow swiming in an ocean. She tells Sting she’s one of the people who helped end his career when WWE defeated WCW in the Monday Night War. Stephanie goes on to compare Sting to a dog, but finishes by saying she isn’t comparing him to a dog because she doesn’t want to insult dogs. She tells Sting that this Sunday, he will lose any respect he thought he had when her husband pins him in the middle of this ring. She calls him a face-painted-freak. Sting smirks and does his “Woooo!” chant to the fans. Sting winks at her. Stephanie goes to slap him, but Sting catches her hand.

“King of Kings” hits as Sting continues to hold Stephanie’s arm. Triple H comes out and takes his tie off and unbuttons his dress shirt. He heads to the ring as Stephanie smiles at Sting. Triple H walks over to Stephanie and, off-mic, asks if Sting put his hands on her. Steph says yes. Triple H takes his sport coat off and rolls up his sleeves. Steph tells him to wait. Steph goes under the ring and grabs a sledgehammer. She hands it to Triple H, who is standing on the apron. HHH takes the sledgehammer and as he goes to enter the ring, he notices Sting now has his trademark black baseball bat. Sting tells him to come on in. The fans chant “Sting! Sting! Sting!” as HHH contemplates coming into the ring. HHH decides not to and hops off the apron and back out to the floor. Sting takes his big coat off and drops the bat and dares HHH, who is now walking back up the aisle with Steph, to come back and get in the ring. HHH heads towards the ring. He stops as the fans chant for Sting again. Steph gets in front of HHH and backs him up, telling him to save it for WrestleMania. Sting’s music plays as HHH and Steph head back up the ramp.

Josh’s Reaction: Awesome way to start off the show. I thought Sting’s promo was really good and got the crowd engage into the segment. Stephanie’s retort to Sting was pretty solid as well and she got some good heel heat. I liked the WCW dialogue during the segment and is Stephanie now in Triple H’s corner during the match Sunday? Good tease with the stare down between Triple H and Sting! Great way to start off the show who knows if it’s the last time we see Triple H and Sting on the show.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 90/100 A

First Match: Dean Ambrose & R-Truth vs Stardust & Luke Harper

Stardust and Truth start things off and the crowd chants for ‘Cody’. Stardust with a kick and punches. Truth holds on to the ropes and he dances. Truth with a split and punch to Stardust and Stardust falls into the corner. Stardust goes to the floor and he argues with Barrett. Stardust comes back into the ring and he tags in Harper. His similarly attired opponent Ambrose tags in as well and Ambrose with a side head lock take down. Ambrose with a wrist lock but Harper with a punch. Harper misses an elbow but Ambrose with a flying clothesline and punches. Ambrose kicks Harper in the corner. Harper with a boot and Ambrose with a knee to the midsection followed by a drop kick and La Magistral for a near fall. Ambrose with a clothesline into the corner followed by a bulldog. Ambrose with a punch to Stardust and then Truth with a punch and they clothesline Stardust over the top rope. Harper is back dropped over the top rope to the floor.Stardust with a cross arm choke. We see footage from the commercial when Ambrose punched Stardust but received a boot from Harper. Stardust runs Ambrose into the corner and he fights out of the corner but Stardust with an Alabama Slam and he gets a series of near falls.

Stardust punches Ambrose and he tags in Harper. Harper walks across Ambrose’s chest and then he rakes the eyes. Harper with a European uppercut and he slingshots Ambrose into the middle rope and he gets a near fall. Harper with a reverse chin lock and Ambrose punches Harper. Harper with a Boss Man Slam for a near fall. Harper puts Ambrose on the turnbuckles and he punches him. Stardust tags in and he climbs the turnbuckles for a superplex but Ambrose sends Stardust to the mat. Harper tags in and he knocks Ambrose off the turnbuckles to the floor. Harper stares down Barrett before he tries to send Ambrose back into the ring but he slides along the apron and clotheslines Harper. They return to the ring and Ambrose with an elbow and he hits a Tornado DDT and both men are down. Stardust and Truth tag in and Truth with clotheslines followed by a drop kick and then he does a split before hitting a Stinger Splash. Truth with a kick and sit out gourdbuster but Harper breaks up the cover. Harper with a punch to Ambrose followed by a super kick to Truth. Ambrose bounces off the ropes and hits a clothesline. Ambrose with a suicide dive onto Harper and Truth with What’s Up on Stardust for the three count. After the match, Barrett goes to the back while Truth dances in the ring. Ambrose shows that he can dance as well.

Winner: Dean Ambrose & R-Truth

Josh’s Reaction: I thought the match was good it had time! I liked Bad News Barrett commentary during the match despite the fact that JBL nor Booker T can never call a match, but that’s besides the point. Harper and Ambrose had really good sequences during the match. The top rope tornado DDT was really cool. R-Truth also got to gain some momentum after that squatch match on SmackDown last week. Good match and it’s not the last time we’ll hear about the Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match tonight.

Winner: Dean Ambrose & R-Truth

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 82/100 B-

Renee Young is on the stage with representatives of the Special Olympics. Renee announces the WWE’s partnership with the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.

We see a video package on Roman Reigns

The Miz, Mizdow, Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell Segment:

Miz asks them if they used stunt doubles. Miz says that stunt doubles try to outshine you while Kevin and Will say they are there to help you. Will asks Miz how long he has had his assistant and then they say that Sandow has that look. Miz tells Sandow to leave to get him some water.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 85/100 B

Second Match: The Miz, Damien Mizdow, The Ascension and Adam Rose vs The Prime Time Players, Zack Ryder, Erick Rowan and Ryback

Miz with a kick and side head lock. Titus catches Miz and hits a back breaker and a fallaway slam. Young tags in and Titus with a slam and he sends Young onto Miz with a gourdbuster. Miz with a jawbreaker and he points to Sandow but tags in Rose. Rose with a wrist lock and side head lock. Rose with a shoulder tackle but Young with a discus forearm and reverse atomic drop and neck breaker. Young with a near fall. Rowan tags in and he punches Rose and follows with a head butt. Rowan with a forearm across the chest. Rowan with a fallaway slam and he tags in Ryder. Ryder with a forearm into the corner and he sets for the Broski Boot and connects. Ryder misses the Rough Ryder and Rose with a clothesline. Konnor tags in and he kicks Ryder and kicks him. Viktor tags in and he kicks Ryder in the corner and punches him.

Viktor with a slam and Konnor tags in while Viktor applies a half crab. Konnor with a leg drop and Young breaks up the cover. Konnor with a forearm to Ryder and he tags in Rose. Rose with knees to the head and kicks. Sandow tags himself in and he hits the Reality Check and kips up followed by the removal of the sunglasses. Miz demands to be tagged back in and he tags Miz back in. Miz with a kick but Ryder with a face plant and both men are down. Ryback tags in and he takes care of Miz with a forearm. Ryback with a Thesz Press and he slams Miz’ head into the mat and follows with a spinebuster. Ryback presses Rose over his head and slams him. Konnor and Viktor miss Ryback and Ryback with a double clothesline. Miz with kicks to Ryback and then he sets for the Awesome Clothesline but Ryback with a clothesline of his own followed by the muscle buster for the three count.

Winner: Ryback, Prime Time Players, Erick Rowan and Zack Ryder

Josh’s Reaction: Another solid tag team match yea it seemed odd, but it was nice to see the Prime Time Players, Ryback, Miz, Mizdow and Zack Ryder out there. All great talents and they had some solid time for this match and it was a good match. I thought the Bill Simmons commentary was really good one of the better celebrities that’s join the announce team I wish he can come back for another show. Good cross promotion for the WWE and ESPN! All around good business you had some build for the Battle Royal and you also had some great cross promotion for not only WrestleMania, but the WWE as a whole.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 80/100 B

Third Match: Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins & JJ Security

Orton sends Mercury to the mat and he wants Orton. Rollins wants to tag in but Mercury tags in Noble instead and Rollins wants to know if Orton is that stupid. Orton with a kick and he sends Noble to the mat. Orton with the Garvin Stomp and he sends Noble through the ropes as he tries to hit Rollins. Orton pulls Rollins to the apron but Mercury stops him. Rollins hits Orton while the referee was not looking and Noble with forearms and kicks to Orton and he does the Garvin Stomp as well. Noble with a forearm to the back of the head. Orton with a European uppercut and clothesline to Noble. Orton with a clothesline to Mercury and then he sends Noble to the floor. Orton with a power slam to Mercury and he puts Mercury in the ropes. He grabs Noble as well and he hits a double IEDDT. Orton looks around for the RKO set up and Rollins tries for Black Out but Orton moves. Rollins escapes an RKO and then Orton hits the RKO on Noble for the three count.

Winner: Randy Orton

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 81/100 B-

John Cena’s WWE.com Interview Segment:

He says at Wrestlemania you will see a man fight for what he believes in. He says what he believes in. He loves this country. There is proof of his unwavering support for the troops. John says that he is going to win the US Title so he can represent the United States and show everyone around the world that they are the elite. He will show that they will not waver. He will send the message on behalf of the United States. Wrestlemania is about shutting up Rusev and bringing the title back.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 89/100 B+

AJ Lee & Paige Backstage Segment:

Paige is in the back applying some make up and AJ stops by and she talks about how it looks like Nikki is trying to divide them going into Wrestlemania. Paige says that she has had to suffer with these insufferable slags. She will take the match unless AJ wants it. AJ says that she won’t fall into the trap. Paige tells AJ that she must be crazy to turn down a title match. The switch goes off and AJ returns to crazy mode, but Paige tries to calm her down with a friendly hug.

Nikki with a pie face but Paige with a double leg take down and she punches Nikki. Paige with a head butt and she connects with knees from the apron while Brie watches from a few feet away. Paige screams while Nikki falls to the floor. Paige with a head butt, but Nikki with a double leg take down. Nikki does some push ups but Paige knocks Nikki down and gets a near fall. Nikki goes to the floor and Paige goes to the apron and she hits a clothesline. Paige rolls Nikki back in and Nikki with a facebuster and she gets a near fall.Nikki with a reverse chin lock. Paige with elbows but Nikki with a spinebuster for a near fall. Nikki taunts Paige but Paige with a kick. Both ladies go for a clothesline at the same time and both go down. Paige with a series of short arm clotheslines followed by a running drop kick and she gets a near fall.

Paige runs into an uppercut and Nikki with a springboard kick out of the corner for a near fall. Nikki gets ready for the forearm but Paige ducks it and Paige with a thrust kick for a near fall. Paige sets for Rampaige but Nikki with an inside cradle for a near fall to counter. Paige with a knee and Nikki with an Alabama Slam for a near fall. Nikki gets Paige on her shoulders but Paige gets to her feet and she kicks Nikki in the back of the leg and she hits Rampaige but Nikki kicks out at two. Nikki kicks Paige and then Paige and Nikki go through the ropes to the floor. AJ stops Brie from interfering and then AJ hits Paige with an elbow by accident and Nikki hits the forearm. Nikki picks up Paige and hits Shock Treatment for the three count. After the match, AJ comes into the ring to check on Paige and Paige with a double leg take down and she punches AJ and then they have to be separated.

Winner: Still WWE Divas Champion Nikki Bella

Josh’s Reaction: Stellar divas match! I would have different outcome, but it was a good and effective match.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 91/100 A-

Snoop Dogg, Hulk Hogan and Curtis Axel Segment:

Snoop mentions that California will be the home of Wrestlemania on Sunday. He says it will be. Curtis Axel comes out and he interrupts and tells us not to change the channel. He talks about SnoopMania and then he tells Snoop that it is AxelMania. He will not listen to him talk about SnoopMania while AxelMania runs wild in Los Angeles. Axel says AxelMania is here to stay. Snoop says that Axel is the clown popping off on Twitter. He waited for him to show up. He asks Curtis what he wants to talk about and he says there is one more ‘Mania’ that he has forgotten about.

Hulk Hogan comes out because HulkaMania has to represent itself tonight. Hogan wants to tell Axel a little story. When he slammed Andre over his head in front of 94,000 people, he knew that Hulkamania would last forever. Hogan says that when he heard Snoop’s first LP he knew SnoopMania would last. Hogan wants to know what is Axel smoking. Axel rips his AxelMania shirt and then he does the finger point and he asks Whatcha gonna do. Hogan punches Axel and Snoop throws Axel over the top rope. Snoop reveals a Hulkamania shirt and they have a pose down.

Cesaro and Diego start things off and Cesaro with a forearm and he gets a near fall. Diego with a cross body and he tags in Torito. Natalya tags in and Kidd tags himself in before Natalya can do anything. Fernando tags in and he hits a neck breaker and gets a near fall. Fernando misses a cross body and Kidd punches Fernando. Cesaro tags in and he kicks Fernando and gets a near fall. Cesaro with a reverse chin lock. Kidd tags in and Ceasro with the giant swing and Kidd with a drop kick. Kidd gets a near fall and Kidd with a reverse chin lock. Fernando with an elbow and he drops him on the top rope. Kidd goes up top and Fernando with a drop kick and both men are down. Ceasro and Diego tag in and he hits a punch and a few corkscrew elbows and a flapjack. Torito tags in and Cesaro catches him. Diego with a drop kick and Torito gets a near fall. Fernando with a head scissors that sends Cesaro into the ropes. Kidd with a kick to Fernando. Torito kicks Kidd. Natalya tags in and hits a discus clothesline for a near fall. Natalya tries for a power bomb but Torito counters with a sunset flip for the three count.

Winner: Los Matadores and El Torito

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 83/100 B

Kane and Bad News Barrett Backstage Segment:

Wade Barrett cleans his belt and Kane enters the locker room. Kane says that Barrett must be proud to have the belt for 72 hours. Kane asks for the title belt, but Barrett says that has been working to get the title back. Kane says that he has been tasked to take the belt to hang it over the belt. Kane says that if Wade does not comply, he will strip him of the title. Barrett says that it is a travesty and he gives it to Kane. Kane tells Barrett he only has to beat six other men and he likes those odds.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 82/100 B-

Sixth Match: Rusev vs Jack Swagger

Swagger with a waist lock but Rusev with an elbow followed by punches and kicks. Rusev sends Swagger into the turnbuckles and he kicks Swagger in the back and punches him. Rusev says something to Swagger in Bulgarian and Swagger punches him. Swagger with an Irish whip but Rusev with a clothesline. Rusev with a kick to the back. Rusev with a kick to the back and then he applies a chin lock trapping the arm. Swagger gets to his feet for a moment but Rusev brings Swagger back to the mat. Swagger with an elbow and punches to Rusev. Rusev with a kick and Irish whip but Swagger with a boot. Swagger punches Rusev but Rusev pushes Swagger and misses a clothesline.

Swagger with a boot and he Irish whips Rusev and clotheslines him. Swagger goes for the Swagger Bomb sponsored by We The People. Rusev stops him and tries for a kick but Swagger blocks it. Swagger with a belly-to-belly slam for a near fall. Swagger climbs the turnbuckles but Rusev gets away and he kicks Swagger in the back of the leg and then he kicks Swagger and then he goes to the apron to clothesline Swagger to send him to the mat. Rusev with a jumping thrust kick and then he turns Swagger over and stomps on the back to set up for the Accolade. Swagger taps out.

After the match, Rusev does not release the hold because Lana is not there to tell him to release the hold. John Cena’s music plays and he releases the hold. Cena comes to the ring and he attacks Rusev. Cena with a double leg take down and then he punches Rusev. Rusev with a forearm on the floor and he sends Cena into the ringside barrier. Rusev picks up Cena and runs him into the ring post. Rusev sends Cena over the announce table and he lands on one of the chairs. Rusev grabs his Russian flag and swings it at ringside while Cena struggles to get back to his feet. Rusev sees Cena and Rusev with a jumping thrust kick to Cena. Rusev rearranges the announce table and then he sends Rusev face first into the announce table with a wheelbarrow slam. Rusev gets on the announce table and he stomps on the back and he applies the Accolade. Officials try to pull Rusev off Cena, but five referees are no match for Rusev.

Winner: Rusev

Josh’s Reaction: PERFECT!!!! Great way to get some heat on Rusev! Probably the biggest statement Rusev has made since coming up from NXT! I can’t wait to see this match at WrestleMania. The match between Rusev and Jack Swagger was pretty solid as well.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 95/100 A

Bray Wyatt Promo:

Wyatt asks why oh why do people hide from the truth? Is it because you are afraid? Is it because you are embarrassed to show who you are? Reality can be a very very difficult pill to swallow. That does not change the fact that each and every one of you are guilty. You are guilty. Somewhere deep down, you hate the person that you have become. The truth is that you hate the job because the only thing you can see is the color green. You look in the mirror and you don’t like what you see so you put on the makeup to cover up all of the ugliness and inconsistencies in you. It does not hide the fact that you are liar. Bray says that he is not like you. Bray says that he might be a lot of things, but he is not a liar. His tongue is the sword of truth. It cuts through the deception in your world.

He speaks the truth that you hide yourself from. The Undertaker is just like you. The Undertaker is a liar. He tries to hide the fact that he is lost. He denies the fact that he is trying desperately have his soul set free. The angel with the burnt wings is here to take you back to the other side. Bray says there is the mystical aura that you are used to. Can you feel it? These spirits no longer operate by your command. They belong to him now. He controls the light and the darkness and they march to his command. He is the judge of the living and the dead. Bray says the Undertaker is guilty. There is no redemption. There is no shield to carry you out. It will be marked with Sister Abigail’s kiss and Bray will take his place among the gods. You will get the mercy that you have been begging for. At Wrestlemania, you can finally rest in peace.

Josh’s Reaction: Wyatt is not only the new face of fear, but he’s the new king of the promos! Probably Wyatt’s best promo in his career so far. Another match I can’t wait to see in person this Sunday. Less is more when it comes to The Undertaker. At the same time every week on Raw Wyatt stock continues to grow and grow and grow.

Grade for this Promo: 97/100 A+

We see a video package centering around the announcement of Kevin Nash joining the 2015 class of the WWE Hall of Fame.

Seventh Match: Dolph Ziggler vs. Daniel Bryan

Bryan tosses Ziggler to the mat. Bryan holds him and stomps. Ziggler turns around and goes for a pin attempt. Ziggler with a headlock now. They trade slaps and shoves and start brawling out of the corner. Ambrose cheers them on. Bryan ends up pulling Bryan to the floor with a scissors. Bryan hits Ziggler through the ropes. Bryan comes off the apron but they both crash on the floor. Back from the break and Ziggler has a sleeper hold locked. We get more back and forth with the two trading pin attempts. They end up on top and Bryan goes face first to the mat. Ziggler tries to fight off a backslide and does with one of his own for a two count. Bryan with a boot to the face for another two count. Bryan with kicks while Ziggler is on his knees in the corner now.

Bryan with the corner dropkick. He goes for another and Ziggler nails a superkick out of nowhere. Ziggler hits a Zig-Zag for the win. After the match, Ziggler goes to celebrate but Ambrose grabs him and hits Dirty Deeds. Ambrose pulls a ladder from under the ring and brings it in. Ambrose climbs up for the Intercontinental Title but Barrett runs down and pulls him to the mat. They fight. R-Truthand Stardust are also out. Luke Harper is out next. They all go at it now. Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds on Truth. Bryan stops Barrett from climbing for the title but Barrett sends him face first into the ladder. Barrett with a Bullhammer on Bryan. Ziggler ducks a Bullhammer and hits Barrett with a superkick. Dolph climbs up but Stardust takes him out. Stardust and Ambrose meet at the top of the ladder with punches. Harper pushes them and the ladder over. The ladder takes out Harper’s leg and he goes down. Everyone is down.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Josh’s Reaction: Really good match there between Bryan and Ziggler. I can’t believe at the level of stupidity that comes from today’s wrestling fanbase. Any one lost Bryan has “Oh he’s getting buried” You’ve have to be kidding me. I’m not sure who’s going to win the ladder match, but what I do know is that it’s going to be extremely entertaining.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 90/100 A-

Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar Segment:

Heyman introduces himself and his client. He cuts a promo about how we’re going to get a fight on Sunday, about how Lesnar is going to give Roman Reigns a beating. Heyman says you will get your money’s worth if you’re looking for a fight. Heyman says Lesnar makes failures out of every man who steps up to him. Heyman reminds us about The Streak, about John Cena getting destroyed at SummerSlam. Heyman goes on and mocks Reigns, saying he won’t be taking the title from Lesnar. Reigns’ music hits and out he comes through the crowd.

Reigns and Lesnar face off a few feet apart in the ring as fans boo. Lesnar smirks and raises up the WWE World Heavyweight Title to mostly cheers but some boos. Reigns snatches the belt from Lesnar’s arm and holds it up to mostly boos but some cheers. Lesnar grabs the belt and they struggle for it. RAW goes off the air with the awkward shot of Lesnar and Reigns both clutching and struggling for the belt with the WrestleMania 31 banner hanging in the background.

Josh’s Reaction: If you didn’t understood the point of the tug of war at the end you weren’t paying attention to Paul Heyman’s epic promo! Less is more this is going to be a fight and we’ll see what happens this Sunday.

Show starts off with the interview Brock Lesnar conducted on last week’s Raw.

Roman Reigns, Mark Henry, Seth Rollins and Kane Segment:

Reigns says it is good to see the crowd. He says that Lesnar and Heyman can intimidate him and just as he says that Mark Henry is out. He says he came out here last week to see just what Reigns had in the ring. And Reigns really showed him something. If you didn’t see what happened, well Henry runs the footage from last week and after we see the footage, Reigns looks impressed with himself. Henry says he got what he deserved, and that he thinks at WrestleMania he expects Reigns to win and will put his money on him beating Lesnar; because Reigns can and he will. They shake hands to the delight of the crowd.

Seth Rollins and Kane, along with J&J Security make their way out and Kane mocks the entire segment. Kane asks when Henry became a self-help guru, because he can’t seriously believe that Reigns will win. Rollins holds up the case and says anything can happen at WrestleMania. They are out here because everyone is bussing since Rollins accepted Orton’s match at Mania, and then adds that Orton will not be here tonight. And he won’t because J&J have secured the building, so Orton won’t get in tonight. Rollins says that this is for Orton’s own good, because when he gets face to face with him; he will humiliate him at Mania. The main event for tonight’s show is Roman Reigns & Mark Henry vs Kane & Seth Rollins

Josh’s Reaction: I think one of the main problems that alot of people have with this current Roman Reigns push is the fact that the guy won’t speak for himself and he has people come out and put him over. That’s a trigger for no personal or emotional connection to that particular superstar. It’s great Mark is back, but I want to hear from Roman. Simple heel mic work from both Kane & Rollins. This tag team match should be interesting since it involves three different WrestleMania matches.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 80/100 B-

First Match: Paige vs Brie Bella

Paige spears Brie to the floor right away and is looking for revenge from Monday night. Paige then slams her to the announce table and they continues to brawl. Brie slams Paige to the apron and rolls her back in, second rope dropkick connects and Brie covers for two count. Brie works the chinlock, then slams Paige down and slams Paige to the corner. The bulldog follows and Brie covers for two count. Back to the chinlock by Brie, looking to ground Paige. But Paige fights to her feet, elbows out and hits a kick to Brie. Off the ropes and then clothesline each other and both ladies are down. They get to their feet, Brie takes Paige down by the ropes and hits the running knee strike and cover for two count, until Paige turns it into a cradle and scores the win.

Winner: Paige

Josh’s Reaction: I like the aggressive nature of this match between Paige & Brie. I liked the stuff that AJ and Nikki said on the commentary table and addressing this storyline and #GiveDivasAChance! I wished the match would have lasted longer, but I understood the point of the match and the fact that both of these teams are tryin gto one up each other before Mania.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 82/100 C+

We see a video package that center’s around the announcement that legenary Japanese professional wrestler and former IWGP and NWA World Heavyweight Champion Tatsumi Fujinami will be the newest member of the 2015 class of the WWE Hall of Fame.

We see a recap of Sting appearing on Raw

Gauntlet Match

1.) Dean Ambrose vs. Stardust

Dean Ambrose and Stardust will begin things. Lock up, back elbow by Stardust and then off the ropes and he runs into an elbow from Ambrose. Rights by Ambrose follow, chops as well and then Stardust bails to the floor. Ambrose chases, back in, disaster kick by Stardust gets two count. Boot to the face by Stardust and then rights follow. Gut buster suplex by Stardust, he hisses at Ambrose and we see Barrett watching on from backstage. Ambrose counters a sunset flip British Bulldog style and Ambrose eliminates Stardust. Stardust attacks because he’s a sore loser, and then posts Ambrose two times, injuring the shoulder. R-Truth is out next. Truth brawls with Stardust and clears him out of the ring.

Winner: Dean Ambrose

2.) Dean Ambrose vs R-Truth

They ring the bell, Truth knocks Stardust to the floor. This allows Ambrose to hit a boot and dirty deeds for the pin.

Winner: Dean Ambrose

3.) Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper

They brawl right away, cross body by Ambrose and then rights follow. Harper then attacks the injured arm of Ambrose, hits divorce court and then works a top wristlock variation. Ambrose tries to fight to his feet, does but Harper spear tosses him to the corner and then applies a version of the cross face, with the arm trapped. Ambrose struggles for the ropes, gets them and Harper has to break. Ambrose to the apron and Harper charges, but he low bridges him. Harper hits an elbow off of the apron to the standing Harper and then rolls him back into the ring.

Harper counters the tornado DDT, but Ambrose with the roll up for two count. Bossman slam by Harper gets two count. Back to the cross face, continuing to work the injured shoulder of Ambrose. Ambrose then bites the hand if Harper to escape, rights and chops follow. Boot by Ambrose, knee follows and then the dropkick connects. La Magistral cradle by Ambrose gets two count. Ambrose heads up top, Harper over to the corner, Ambrose leaps over him and a boot by Harper, but Ambrose rebounds with the jawbreaker lariat. Ambrose looks for dirty deeds, but Harper kills him with a clothesline and then the sitout powerbomb for the win.

Winner: Luke Harper

4.) Luke Harper vs. Daniel Bryan

Bryan crotches Harper on the post. He then wraps the knee off of the post, back in and lays in the kicks. Bryan now looks for the surfboard, and gets it. He presses Harper in the hold to YES chants, but Harper escapes. Harper is hobbled due to his knee, so Bryan lays in the kicks again. Harper manages to power Bryan up and tosses Bryan to the floor and then collapses. Bryan back in, elbows by Harper connect and he then covers for two count. Slam by Harper follows, and then the gator roll follows. Side headlock by Harper now, Bryan works to his feet and hits the Flair knee buster but Harper connects with an uppercut. Slam again by Harper, picks up Bryan, but Bryan with the backslide, which gets two count.

Harper again tries to ground Bryan, working a headlock. Bryan escapes, lays in the kicks to the knees of Harper. Harper tries to toss Bryan to the floor, Bryan counters and head scissors Harper to the floor. Suicide dive by Bryan connects and then more kicks, Bryan tosses Harper back in and lays in the kicks to the chest. Head kick misses and Harper hits a release half nelson suplex and gets a cover for two count. Bryan counters the clothesline with a kick but then Harper hits the discus lariat and covers for two count. Bryan counters the powerbomb into a knee bar and Harper has to tap.

Winner: Daniel Bryan

5.) Daniel Bryan vs Dolph Ziggler

Barrett continues to watch on from backstage. Kicks by Bryan in the corner connect and then uppercuts follow. Ziggler fires back now with rights, Bryan shoots for the single leg, but Ziggler gets a cradle for two count. Boot by Ziggler and more rights in the corner, the neck breaker connects and Ziggler misses the corner splash allowing Bryan to connect with the shotgun dropkick. Bryan sets Ziggler up top hurricanrana follows but Ziggler rolls through into a sunset flip and gets two count. They trade rights and uppercuts center ring, Ziggler takes control and sends Bryan to the corner. Head butt by Ziggler, sends Bryan to the corner, back flip counter, off the ropes and they both try for the cross body and collide center ring.

Back form commercial as Bryan works the shoulder of Ziggler. Bryan had posted Ziggler during the break to set the up. Bryan then counters a fameasser into a powerbomb and jackknife rollup for two count. Bryan up top now, Ziggler up and crotches him. Ziggler climbs now, but Bryan slips out and crotches Ziggler. Bryan up top and looks for the belly to back superplex but Ziggler turns it into a high cross on the way down and gets the cover for two count. Bryan back with a kick to the head, and that cover gets two count. Bryan sets for the knee strike, charges but eats a superkick, but he kicks out at two count!

Both men are down here, struggling to get to their feet. Ziggler tries to pull Bryan up, but Bryan tries for the YES lock and gets it. Ziggler struggles, counters into a cover but Bryan powers up and they both look for a backslide. Bryan pulls Ziggler down, and gets a close two count. Ziggler then gets the zigzag out on nowhere and that is enough for the win. Post match they have a stand off, and shake hands. Barrett then comes out and sarcastically congratulates them on the match. He has bad news for them, stealing the show is a code… he then bull hammers Ziggler. Bryan attacks, but then Barrett hits him with the mic. He lays out Ziggler again and also lays Bryan out with the bull hammer.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Josh’s Reaction: One of the best Smack Down and WWE matches of the year. You will see this match in the Best of 2015 WWE DVD! When is the last time that the Intercontinental Championship feud got 36 minutes of tv time? They’ve been doing a stellar job with this build for this ladder match. Dean Ambrose was impressive. Stardust did some solid heel work. The match with Ambrose & Harper was great. The Harper & Bryan match was great as well. Just when you think the crowd would be tired you see another stelar match with Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler may haven’t had the best booking over the last year, but he just defeated a former world champion cleanly that’s saying something. Bad News Barrett during the aftermath of that tremendous match he got to gain some of the momentum that he lost since winning the IC Championship. Great work from all seven of these guys.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 99/100 A+

We see a really cool video package on the feud between AJ Lee/Paige vs. The Bella’s

Cesaro and a Matadore to begin. Shoulder block by Cesaro connects and then into the side headlock. Off the ropes, counters and a head scissors by the Matadore connects and Natalya tags in. Torito is in now, but Kidd tags himself in. Kicks by Torito, and then a Matadore is in and trips Kidd to the ropes. Senton by the other Matadore and the cover gets two count. Drop toehold by Kidd and he then chokes out the Matadore in the ropes. Tag to Cesaro, and the champs lay the boots to the Matadore. Uppercuts by Cesaro follow, and the Matadore is then sent to the floor.

Kidd tries the running kick but gets tripped up. Cesaro checks on Kidd, rolls him back in and the Matadore gets the tag and runs wild. Tag to Torito and then hit an assisted leg drop and Kidd kicks out. Tag back to a Matadore, senton off the top and that gets two count as Cesaro breaks it up. Everyone but Natalya in, Cesaro is sent into Kidd and Natalya tags herself in. The champs to the floor and stereo dives by the Matadores. Natalya in and an arm drag by Torito. Torito tries for a springboard head scissors, but Natalya catches him and plants him with a sitout powerbomb for the win.

Mark Henry was laid out backstage. I don’t think he’s going to make the match. Rollins and Kane arrive with J&J and extra security. Kane and Reigns to begin. Rights by Reigns, he gets tripped by Mercury and Kane levels him with a right. Rollins tags in and works over Reigns. The crowd chants for Orton as Kane tags back in and Rollins hits a corner splash on Reigns, side slam by Kane and the cover gets two count. Rights by Kane follow, but Reigns with a boot and rights to battle back. Off the ropes and a DDT by Kane connects and the cover gets two count. Rollins beats down Reigns on the apron, and then kicks him in the head. Clubbing blows to the back by Rollins now, but Reigns back with rights. Rollins counters with the flatliner to the corner and tags in Kane. Off the ropes and the elbow drop connects.

Tag back to Rollins, to the corner and Kane whips Rollins in but Reigns sends him to the apron. Clothesline for Kane and then he works over Rollins in the corner with repeated clotheslines. Reigns with the tilt a whirl slam, sets and Superman punches Mercury. Reigns then punches Rollins in the back of the head, takes out Noble but then gets stunned off the ropes by Rollins. Kane tags in, Rollins off the top and eats the Superman punch. He counters the chokeslam and spears Kane for the win. After the match, Reigns pushes trough the security and heads to the back. Orton’s music hits and he sneaks in from the crowd and attacks Rollins. RKO to the security, he tosses others. Hangman’s DDT for two more and then the snap slam to Rollins. Orton looks for the RKO, Noble in and eats the RKO. Rollins looks to escape, mercury flies in and eats an RKO as Rollins escapes. Randy Orton stands tall.

Winner: Roman Reigns

Josh’s Reaction: Solid main event! Even better aftermath. It’s been awhile since the WWE teased blocking a guy out of the building and it was used in the right fashion.

A shot aired of fans entering the building. Meanwhile, Scott Stanford, Corey Graves, and David Otunga hosted the pre-show from WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. The contract signing for the Rusev vs. John Cena for the U.S. Championship match at WrestleMania 31 will be held on Raw. The Randy Orton sit-down interview package from Smackdown was replayed. Otunga said The Authority could punish Orton by putting him in a handicap match, a gauntlet match, banning him from WrestleMania, or even fire him. Bray Wyatt will respond to Undertaker. The panel makes their predictions for the show tonight and that’s how the pre-show comes to an end.

WWE Monday Night Raw:

Seth Rollins & Randy Orton Promo:

Rollins says you chant his name now, but he says that they probably loved what they just saw. That is called betrayal. There is no other way to describe it. He gets it. Not a lot of you understand what it is like to be betrayed because you need to be a somebody to be betrayed. For nobodies like all of you, that is called getting screwed over. For important people like him who made it out of Iowa and made something with their lives, that is betrayal. That is exactly what happened to him last week courtesy of the Viper Randy Orton. It wasn’t just that he betrayed him, it was how he did it. He stalked Rollins like an animal. Randy mocked him while he suffered. He vouched for Orton and he called him a friend and family member. Randy betrayed him. He says you are all thinking that was what you did to the Shield. That is nothing like he did to the Shield. What he did to the Shield was a sound business decision.

It was a business decision made to secure his future. What Randy did was so much different. What he did was in cold blood and without the tiniest bit of human decency or empathy. It was borderline sociopathic. For three weeks, Randy Orton schemed and he conned his way back into the Authority. He made fools of everyone, including Stephanie and Triple H. Without their generosity to welcome him back, this never would have happened. Big Show tells Rollins that he owes him an apology. He says that he is sorry. He says that he feels partially responsible for what happened to him. He sees Rollins as the future and the best damn talent in the WWE. What Randy Orton did was cruel. He betrayed our trust. Show says he thought Randy could get past his petty grievances and put that behind him, but Randy is a no good snake in the grass. Show says that whether is a viper, rattlesnake, or a garden snake, he will step on it. Kane apologizes as well. He wasn’t as gullible as Big Show, but he was suckered in. Randy will pay for what he did to us. Jamie says that knows he is considered the secret weapon of the Authority, he smelled a rat when Randy came in. He does not care about what Randy did to him, he cares about what he did to you Rollins. You are his boss and friend. What Randy did to you, it hurt him too. Jamie says it hurt Joey the most. Joey takes the mic and cannot say anything.

Rollins says that it hurt, but Randy’s ego will be hurt the most when it is over. For years and years, Randy thought that he could get away with what he wanted when he wanted without any consequences. You have never messed with anyone like him. You want to challenge him to a match at Wrestlemania? Rollins looks at the sign and he tells Orton that he accepts, but only under one condition. You agree to face him tonight in this ring on Raw. You like to call yourself the face of the WWE, but you are nothing more than a scheming. Randy’s music plays and he makes his way to the stage. Randy tells Rollins he is not the face of the WWE, he is just a guy. A guy who last week, made you look like a little bitch. He is the guy who is going to beat your ass tonight because he accepts Seth’s condition to respond to his challenge. Randy knows it will be five on one later tonight with the deck stacked against him. Seth, you need all the help you can get because he has enough venom for all of the Authority. If he suffers a beatdown tonight, it will be worth it to get his hands on Rollins at Wrestlemania. You better hope you get it done tonight because if you make it to Wrestlemania, he will finish Rollins.

Josh’s Reaction: I thought this was a solid way to start off the show. They addressed what happen last week. We found out that Rollins and Orton is official for WrestleMania which is good. We’ll see how will be getting the best out of each other before mania. Kane & Show are good heat magnet, but we didn’t need promos from all Authority members. Nice to see Rollins reference the betrayal of The Shield. Orton promo was pretty good. Nice effective way to start off the show and we have a interesting main event set for tonight’s show.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 81/100 B-

First Match: Nikki Bella w/Brie vs. AJ Lee w/Paige

Nikki with a forearm and then she picks up AJ for a choke and she sends her into the turnbuckles and follows with shoulders. Nikki does some push ups while AJ catches her breath. AJ with boots to Nikki followed by a kick. AJ with a victory roll for a near fall. AJ with an arm drag into an arm bar. Nikki with a fireman’s carry and arm bar, but AJ with a head scissors. Nikki escapes and AJ with a side head lock and wrist lock. Nikki with a clothesline and she gets a near fall. AJ with a clothesline for a near fall. AJ with a side head lock but Nikki tries for a side slam but she takes too long and AJ with a head scissors that sends Nikki to the apron. Nikki drops AJ’s arm on the top rope. Nikki with an arm bar but AJ with punches and a back heel kick. Nikki with a back elbow and she gets a near fall. Nikki with a divorce court to AJ and she gets a near fall. Nikki starts to show from frustration. Nikki with a hammer lock and she sends AJ into the turnbuckles. Nikki with an arm bar.

AJ with punches but Nikki with a forearm. AJ with a guillotine but Nikki runs AJ into the turnbuckles. AJ kicks Nikki when she charges into the corner. AJ with a Thesz Press and she punches Nikki. AJ with a clothesline into the corner followed by a neck breaker. AJ with a back heel kick and then she trips Nikki as she goes to the floor. AJ goes up top and hits a cross body and gets a near fall. Nikki with a knee and face buster for a near fall. Nikki picks up AJ but AJ with a sunset flip for a near fall. AJ with a drop kick. Nikki sends AJ to the floor in front of Brie. Paige comes to protect her tag team partner and AJ sends Nikki into the apron. Brie and Paige have some words on the floor and Brie sends Paige into the ring post. In the ring, Nikki with the bionic forearm and Shock Treatment for the three count.

Winner: Nikki Bella

Josh’s Reaction: Stellar divas matches. Unlike alot of people I do happen to watch the matches the continue on the WWE App and AJ and Nikki had pretty good sequences on the WWE App. Despite the commentary barely calling the match whatsoever, AJ and Nikki had a tremendous performance. Bellas had a good outing as well as heels, so I’m giving around of applause to all four ladies in this match.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 90/100 A-

Big Show, Kane and Seth Rollins Segment:

Renee Young is with Kane and Big Show in the interview area. Renee asks what role they are going to have in the Rollins/Orton match. Kane says Big Show will be in Seth’s corner, based on his decision. Show wants Kane to talk to him like a human being instead of blabbing it out in front of everyone. Kane says he makes all of the decisions. Seth Rollins comes into the interview area and he tells them to calm down because this is what got them sent home last week. You represent the Authority so you represent Triple H, Stephanie, and him. He calls them stupid. Kane says Stephanie can address them how she wants, but you cannot. They enjoyed what happened to him last week. You have been acting like an entitled little brat since he helped you win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Kane says that he will not be at ringside with Seth Rollins. Kane asks Show if he wants to be at ringside. Show looks at Rollins without saying anything and walks away.

Grade for this Segment: 85/100 B

Second Match: Ryback vs. The Miz w/Damien Mizdow

Miz says he will win the Andre Battle Royal because his personal assistant in the match will ensure he wins, or else he will be fired. Fans chant for Sandow as the match starts. Miz starts and unloads on Ryback in the corner. Ryback comes out and hits a huge slam. Miz rolls to the floor in front of Sandow. Ryback holds him and tells Sandow to punch Miz. Fans cheer for Sandow to do it. He clutches his fist like he wants to but Miz fights Ryback off. Miz tells Sandow to put his fist down and turns around to a shot from Ryback. Ryback brings him in the ring and hits a spinebuster. Ryback hits a Meathook clothesline and Shellshocked for the win. After the match, Ryback gets another chant going and leaves as Sandow comes in and fans his jacket at him. Sandow helps Miz up but Miz drops him with a Skull Crushing Finale. The crowd boos big time. Miz’s music hits and he leaves with Sandow recovering in the ring.

Winner: Ryback

Josh’s Reaction: Wished the match went a little bit longer kind of similar to their match from SmackDown last week. Eventually we’ll see Mizdow strike back at Miz, but when does it happen? WrestleMania? or The Raw after Mania?

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 75/100 C

John Cena & Rusev Contract Signing:

Michael Cole is in the ring and the contract signing table has Russian and American flags on the end. John Cena comes out first. Michael tells John the contract is on the table and he asks John to sign it. John looks at the contract but he takes the mic and he says there is a lot of enthusiasm for Wrestlemania and he shares that enthusiasm. He says he has signed a lot of contracts, but this is the most important. You will be introduced to a super athlete who is the hero of the Russian Federation. He has destroyed every challenge put in front of him. Rusev is the Champion of the United States. John wants everyone to think about that. It means that Rusev represents the United States of America. Rusev represents each and every one of you. That is what makes this contract and match at Wrestlemania important. He can do what he did last week. He can kicks Rusev’s ass all over the place, but as long as he wears the United States Title belt, he represents each and every one of you.

Cena says enough is enough. These are the facts. Rusev has the luxury to live in the United States. America has provided him great opportunity, but every chance he can, he belittles the United States. Cena says he is disgusted. It is disrespectful that Rusev represents this country, the place he calls home. He tells everyone to let the USA chant fill you with excitement and love for the United States. John says that he has stood on the front line with the people who provide everyone the freedom of speech and assembly. He is ashamed to know that Rusev is the United States Champion. Cena says that this contract is his Declaration of Independence and Wrestlemania is their Revolutionary War. America is the greatest country because they will not back down and he will fight. At Wrestlemania, Rusev will find out you can only push the USA so far before it comes back and kicks your ass. Rusev comes out and he is joined by someone who does not look like Lana, but a lot like Miz. Rusev is given the contract, but New Lana takes the mic. He says that as Mr. Rusev’s attorney, he will not be signing this contract. Rusev will not be competing against American John Cena in Wrestlemania.

Rusev did not agree to this match or any other one. We see footage from two weeks ago when Stephanie said that Rusev’s mind had to be changed. He says that as you can see in the video footage, there is no proof that Rusev allowed the match. The contract is therefore null and void. Rusev will sign the contract as long as Mr. John Cena can contain his American barbaric behavior and let Rusev read his prepared statement in full. If not, there is no match. Rusev gets his prepared statement and he says America lives and dies with its belief in second chances. He beat John Cena at Fastlane but Cena continues to try for a second chance. It is because you are weak. Weakness is what is wrong with America. This country believes in failure. Rusev says your children grow to be failures and that gets Cena irked. Rusev says American people are stained in history. America is a cancer to the world. Oh say can you see this stupid little land. How proudly you have ruined this little country. A country that will die. Rusev signs the contract and he pushes the table onto Cena and gets out of the ring.

Josh’s Reaction: I’ll be the fair guy here and say that there’s no reason to not have Lana on the show. Forget the lawyer guy not fair to grade this segment on a guy that didn’t even deserve to be in the segment. I thought John Cena had a pretty good promo. Rusev promo was fine as well. What ruin the segment for me was JBL and the lawyer guy, but anyways what happen between the important guys in this segment was good and effective for this storyline. Plus it’s nice to see Rusev get some natural heat by himself.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 85/100 B

Third Match: The New Day w/Xavier Woods vs. Tyson Kidd & Cesaro w/Natalya

Los Matadores and El Torito are out to watch the match from ringside. It’s back and forth until Cesaro knocks Big E off the apron and hits the Cesaro Swing on Kofi. Cesaro is distracted and Kofi nails him. Kofi goes for a two count but Kidd makes the save with a dropkick to the face. Kofi ends up hitting Trouble In Paradise but Cesaro and Kidd get the win after a shot from behind. After the match, Los Matadores and The New Day fight at ringside. Matadores roll Xavier Woods into Cesaro and he nails a Neutralizer. El Torito springboards in and nails Cesaro. Cesaro grabs him but gets thrown out to Los Matadores.

Winner: Tyson Kidd/Cesaro

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 79/100 C+

Seth Rollins & JJ Security Segment:

Seth is chatting with J&J. He tells them that they need to be on the top of their game. They need to listen to every word he says. He can’t be left high and dry. Jamie said that Seth told him to leave. Seth tells them not to argue with him. Jamie says that if Seth would have just listened to him, they wouldn’t have been in this mess to begin with. Seth just slaps Jamie in the face. Joey gets in the middle of them. Jamie defends himself so Seth says he’s got half a mind to fire his ass. Jamie then quits. Seth says they don’t need him anyway, right Joey? Joey looks at Seth, then walks off as well. Seth says he doesn’t need them anyway.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 82/100 B-

Brock Lesnar Promo:

He says he was put on this earth to hurt people. Is it sadistic? Maybe to some. He enjoys it. It’s what he does. That’s why he is here. What does Mania mean to Brock Lesnar? it’s a day I get to show up, kick someone’s ass, and get paid to do so. We see evidence of this with some moments from Taker vs Brock. The Undertake didn’t stand a chance, says Brock. What does Brock think about the disappointed people? He doesn’t care. Surprise, disappointment, he loves every minute of it. Here’s his take on his contract with the WWE: There’s one thing for sure – if he stays, he’ll be WWE Champion. If he goes, he’ll be WWE Champion. Roman Reigns will not stand in the way of that. As a rookie, he came in and sent The Rock to Hollywood. He ended the streak. He suplexed John; Cena out of the main event. This is his world. He doesn’t need to hunt. If you think Brock Lesnar in hunt mode, stay tuned fro Brock Lesnar in defense mode. Roman can think whatever he wants, because come Mania, Brock is going to kick his ass. This isn’t a fairy tale. There’s no feel good moment. At Wrestlemania, Brock is going to Fuck up Roman Reigns. The End.

Josh’s Reaction: Perfect! You don’t need Brock and Roman in 20 minute back and forth in-ring segments. Treat this like the fight it’s going to be. Brock made his point crystal clear. He touched on the contract situation he talked about what happen with The Undertaker and he gave this thoughts on Roman Reigns. Less is more!

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 100/100 A+

Fourth Match: Big Show vs Erick Rowan

Show attacks Erick Rowan while he’s on the apron, before the match even begins. Show unloads and destroys Rowan. Show nails a knockout punch and goes to the second rope. Show nails a big elbow drop and leaves the ring as the referee calls for trainers to come check on Rowan.

Winner: No Contest

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 70/100 C-

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Teaser:

Kane is in the ring with the rest of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal participants. Kane brought them to teach a lesson but Mark Henry interrupts. Henry puts his name into the hat and a big brawl breaks out. We see Curtis Axel leaning up against the trophy on the outside. Henry and Kane start tossing people out of the ring. Kane and Henry start brawling. Henry tries to dump Kane but Axel runs in from behind and Kane gets dumped. Henry knocks Axel back and then tosses him over the top. Henry’s music hits as he’s the last man standing. Henry goes out to the floor and looks at the trophy.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 84/100 B

Paul Heyman and Roman Reigns Segment:

He says that Brock is the single most authentic and legitimate champion in WWE or Mixed Martial Arts, then now forever. It is in that spirit that thirteen days away from Wrestlemania, his client views this whole concept of rules, regulations, and boundaries as something that was written by a pacifist. His client is not a pacifist. His client is a conqueror. His client is a beast. Brock is not coming to Wrestlemania to make love. He is coming to Wrestlemania to make war on Roman Reigns. Here is something that nobody thought about. What happens when Brock decides to violate those parameters and boundaries that are imposed on him? Are they going to shut off the lights, cut off the feed of the pay per view? Are they going to give everyone their money back? You are stuck with Brock Lesnar as your WWE Champion and Paul’s mic mysteriously gets turned off. Paul says doing that to him is one thing, but what will you do when Brock does what he is not supposed to do? No one can stop Brock Lesnar, not even Roman Reigns. That is a shame because if there is one person who could live up to the hype was Roman Reigns. He was at the top in NXT, he won the Royal Rumble, he beat Daniel Bryan at Fastlane. What will happen when Brock gives him a prison beating at Wrestlemania.

Roman Reigns is not the next great Samoan AmeriCAN, he is the next great Samoan AmeriCAN’T. You cannot beat Brock Lesnar for the WWE Title at Wrestlemania. Your father should have told you this a long time ago. Roman Reigns makes his way to the ring while his music interrupts Paul’s comments. Roman tells Paul he has a lot of respect for him. You are possibly the best talker ever in the business. You are not talking trash about his family, you are giving everyone fair warning of where he comes from. His issue is not with Paul, but with his client. Roman says if you were here right now, he would tell him face to face. We finally see eye to eye. He is not going into this because he does not expect a fairy tale. He is looking for a fight and hoping for a war. He expects to be carried out, but he will have help being carried out. When he is carried out, he will be carried out as the WWE Champion. Right next to that championship is a huge chip on his shoulder. From the people who tell him he can’t. He will beat Brock’s ass at Wrestlemania. Not because he wants to and because he needs to. It is because he can, he will, and he believes that.

Josh’s Reaction: Great stuff from both Heyman and Reigns. People need to get over the Daniel Bryan thing it’s over move on. Reigns was great on the mic in this segment less is more and Reigns hold his own in that segment with Heyman.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 95/100 A

Paul Heyman Interview:

Renee Young stops Paul Heyman in the back and she wants some comments. Paul says it is going to get interesting around here with all of that latent hostility waiting until Wrestlemania. Roman is a formidable opponent. Roman won’t have to wait until Wrestlemania to get in Brock’s face. He will give Roman that opportunity next week on Raw. Roman will have the opportunity to say whatever he wants to Brock’s face. Paul says his toes are curling with anticipation because Brock can say or do anything he wants to Roman next week. Roman can think about it, but there is nothing that he can do about it.

Stardust starts the match off with Ambrose as everyone has their eye on Truth. They lock up and Ambrose drops Stardust with a shoulder. Ambrose with another takedown. We see R-Truth has the Intercontinental Title belt clipped to the back of his shirt. He’s making sure the other Superstars can’t see it. Truth sits down for commentary as Bryan tags in and works over Stardust. Bryan with a surfboard submission on Stardust. Bryan with a two count. Bryan with kicks in the corner now. Ziggler tags in and Stardust gets clotheslined to the floor after Ziggler and Bryan have words. Harper comes in but also gets sent to the floor. We go to commercial with all three babyfaces in the ring. Back from the break and Ambrose drops Harper with a tornado DDT. Ziggler and Stardust tag in at the same time. Ziggler unloads and hits a neckbreaker. Ziggler with an elbow drop and a pin attempt. Ziggler with a huge DDT on Stardust for another two count. Ziggler fights Harper off but Stardust nails a Disaster Kick and Ziggler falls to the floor. Barrett runs over and rams Ziggler into the apron. Barrett brings Ziggler in the ring for a two count.

Barrett with big forearms to the back in the corner. Barrett runs and hits a big knee to the gut on Ziggler for another two count. Harper comes in and keeps control of Ziggler now. Harper with a big uppercut and a tag back to Barrett. Barrett with the big slam and another two count. Harper tags himself in and whips Barrett into the corner but Ziggler moves and Barrett gets hug up on the top rope. Harper also ends up on the floor with Barrett. Ziggler backdrops Stardust and crawls for a tag but Harper knocks his partners off the apron. Ziggler counters a Harper powerbomb and hits the Fame-asser for two count as Stardust and Barrett break the pin. A big brawl breaks out now. Harper hits a big boot and a sitdown powerbomb on Ziggler for two count. We go back to commercial with everyone fighting around the ring. Back from the break and Barrett is in control of Ziggler on the mat. Ziggler fights out but Barrett goes for Wasteland. Ziggler counters with a DDT and they’re both down. Ziggler tags in Bryan. He knocks the others off the apron and unloads on Barrett. Bryan ducks Barrett and dives out onto Harper. Ambrose tagged himself in and drops Barrett for a two count as Stardust broke the pin. Ambrose and Stardust go at it now. Ambrose unloads and hits the slingshot clothesline. Harper comes in with a big boot on Ambrose. Ziggler accidentally superkicks Bryan off the apron. Ziggler kicks Harper net. Barrett grab Ziggler and throws him out onto Bryan and the others. Ambrose ducks a Bullhammer elbow and hits Dirty Deeds for the win.

After the match, Harper nails Ambrose from behind and takes him out of the ring. Harper tosses Ambrose over the announce table. Harper sees the belt on Truth’s back and stalks him. Stardust ends up attacking and running off with the title. Ambrose catches him in the crowd and beats him down. The belt was dropped at ringside and Truth picks it up. He goes to leave but Harper stops him. Truth tosses the belt in the ring. Ambrose jumps off the barrier and takes out Harper. Bryan picks up the belt in the ring and Ziggler grabs it. They have words before trading lefts and rights in the middle of the ring. Stardust comes in but misses. Ziggler drops him. Bryan takes out Harper with a knee. Barrett hits a Bullhammer on Ziggler and then Bryan. Barrett then runs over and hits a Bullhammer on Ambrose. Fans boo as Barrett stands tall and holds his title. Barrett leaves the ring with the belt and confronts Truth at ringside. Barrett hits a Bullhammer on him also. Barrett goes to the stage and climbs one of the ladders to pose with the title.

Josh’s Reaction: Hell of a six man tag team match. One of the best i’ve seen since 2013 or any of the Wyatt/Shield Matches. The fact they took more than 20 minutes to focus on this feud shows you how much they care about this IC title match. Way to go for Barrett to make a major statement in that post match brawl. Great stuff man.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 93/100 A

Seth Rollins & Triple H/Stephanie Segment:

Seth Rollins comes in and whines about being all alone and everything that’s happened tonight. He asks what they’re going to do to fix this. Stephanie says he’s a big boy and has made his own bed, now he has to lay in it. Rollins gets upset and blames Stephanie for sending Big Show and Kane homelast week. Triple H asks who the hell Rollins thinks he’s talking to. Rollins asks if Triple H decided to quit playing hide & seek with Sting. Triple H gets in his face. Rollins dares him to mess up the future of the company. Stephanie tells Rollins to man up, if he can. Triple H tells Rollins to run along before his situation goes from bad to worse and he does.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 84/100 B

Bray Wyatt Promo:

Bray Wyatt is backstage with an urn full of the ashes from the rocking chair that was burned by The Undertaker last week. Wyatt cuts a promo on The Undertaker and says his fate is sealed. Wyatt says WrestleMania will be Taker’s final resting place but it will also be Wyatt’s coronation. Wyatt says he will destroy Taker and take his rightful place among the Gods. Wyatt says after WrestleMania, no one is safe. He calls himself the new face of fear and laughs.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 92/100 A-

Sixth Match: Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins

Rollins speaks from the stage and reveals that he’s played Orton like a fool the whole night. Triple H’s music hits and out he comes with The Authority, all of them. Fans chant for Sting. They head to the ring as Orton grabs a steel chair to prepare for battle. The lights go out as they surround Orton and we hear the crows. The lights come on and Sting is standing tall with Orton. They unload on The Authority and clear the ring. The Stooges take a Stinger splash in the corner. Noble takes a Scorpion Death Drop. Mercury takes a RKO. Triple H, Rollins, Kane and the others look on from the floor as Sting and Orton are on fire in the ring. Sting’s music hits as he and Orton look on. The Authority hits the ramp as Sting beats on his chest in the ring beside Orton. RAW goes off the air with Triple H yelling back at Sting. On the Network Michael Cole is in the ring with Orton and Sting. Orton tells Sting that usually he doesn’t need people’s help, but hell that was cool and he shooked Sting’s hand. Sting gets on the mic and pumps up the crowd no distortion on the mic and he says that he’s waiting 14 years for this moment and it’s smoking to be here and that at WrestleMania he will end Triple H and that’s how Raw finishes.

Josh’s Reaction: Hell of a ending for Raw. Awesome to see Sting and Orton unleash hell on The Authority. Great stuff to finish off the show. It was great to hear Sting finally talk in a WWE ring, and great way to finish off this week’s Raw.

Bryan thanked the fans and said that it’s hard not to look at the WrestleMania sign when he comes out to the ring. He’s tried to ignore it because he can’t repeat his moment from last year, when the YES movement took him all the way to WrestleMania. That door is closed, but now another door has opened. Because a few weeks ago he stood in the ring with some of the best stars in the company, and they were all fighting for the IC Title. That made him think of his heroes; Steamboat, Perfect, Hart, Michaels and Savage. They were all IC Champions at WrestleMania, and every time they were they were more exciting than the world title scene. And the IC Title is the only title Bryan has never won, and he can create a new moment this year and it is official, he is in the IC Title ladder match at WrestleMania.

Bad News Barrett now makes his way out to the ring. Barrett has some bad news, noting that he is the IC Champion, and will remain the champion at Mania. That will make him Bryan’s new hero. Revolving door time as Dolph Ziggler made his way out. Ziggler said that Barrett is hero. He’s never met someone so delusional to be relevant in his entire life, he’s the IC Champion but can’t even hold on to the title. If he can’t do it now, how will he hold onto the title at Mania?

Luke Harper is here, and he wants his Mania moment. He had a stare down with Bryan, and then Ambrose arrived because people aren’t fighting without him. Stardust then appeared, and he’s all pissed off and looking for the title. Apparently someone stole his “ivory enterprise”. R-Truth then came dancing out with a bag, he had the IC Title in there. He talks to the title and calls it beautiful. Truth plans to hold onto the title until Mania to keep it safe and sound. Truth and Barrett argue about the title, and then everyone in the ring brawls. Barrett gets tossed, Stardust tossed, Harper tossed and that leaves Ambrose, Bryan and Ziggler standing tall.

Josh’s Reaction: I don’t know someway somehow either Daniel Bryan or Stardust will be taken out of this ladder match. If tht’s not the case okay i’m fine with that because the match is already stacked with great talent now you add Daniel Bryan to the mix, it has the makings of a epic ladder match. Bryan’s promo was good and he talked about the fact that he hasn’t won the Intercontinental Championship. Bad News Barrett was good as well good heel mic work despite the fact he continues to lose, but that’s what going to happen during these type of builds for mutiple persons matches. We didn’t need everybdoy to go out there and cut a promo, but the brawl was pretty good and it was nice way to start off the show.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 83/100 B

First Match: The New Day & The Usos w/Naomi vs. Los Matadores & Tyson Kidd and Cesaro w/Natalya and El Torito

Kofi and a Matadore to begin. The Matadore takes him to the corner, lays in the boots but then Kofi connects with a dropkick and the cover gets one count. Tag to Woods, forearm connects off the ropes and a cover gets two count. Off the ropes and a discus forearm by Woods lays out the Matadore, and the cover gets two count. Shot to the throat by the Matadore, takes Woods to his corner and tags in the other Matadore. Boot by Woods, and Jimmy blind tags in. Chops by Jimmy, big backdrop follows and then mounted rights in the corner. Jimmy heads up top, gets distracted by one Matadore, and then the other Matadore crotches him as we head to a commercial.

Matadore continues to work over Jimmy. Jimmy with rights, but then gets tripped into the ropes. Slingshot elbow by the other Matadore, and the cover gets two count. Chinlock applied to ground Jimmy, Jimmy escapes and hits an enziguri and looks for the tag. Tag to Kidd and Jey. Hey in with clotheslines, superkick to the gut and then the Samoan drop. He takes out Cesaro and the other Matadore, hits the Samoan clambake on Kidd, but Kofi blind tags in. it breaks down here, Woods was going or a dive but an Uso did it first. Woods then hit the dive into his own partner. Cesaro catches Kofi with an uppercut from the floor, and then a Matadore tags himself in but eats the trouble in paradise. They pull the switch, and then the Matadore hits the backstabber and grabs the tights for the win.

Winner: Los Matadores and Tyson Kidd/Cesaro

Josh’s Reaction: Really good 8-man tag team match. Lots of good back and forth high flying, caculating and technical wrestling in that match. The sequence of the multiple suicide dives which lead to a series of rolls up was really good. Sensing a heel turn from Los Matadores with they way won the match. I think this eventually leads some type of a tag team turmoil match for the WWF Tag Teag Championship at WrestleMania.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 90/100 A-

We see the video that was aired on Raw where Sting “spoked” about his feelings on Triple H and why he’s in the WWE.

We see a recap of the events from Raw between John Cena and WWE United States Champion Rusev.

The Miz & Damien Mizdow Backstage Segment:

Renee asks who is a favorite for the Andre Battle Royal, and Miz says he has done it all and that makes him the odds on favorite to win the Andre Battle Royal. Miz says he will take out Ryback, and Sandow tries to warm him about Ryback. Miz tells him to piss off and that he can do it on his own, and sends Sandow to do some tasks like pressing his pants and such. This will not end well for young Miz.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 82/100 B-

Second Match: Ryback vs. The Miz

Ryback picks up Miz and sets him in the corner. Miz tries to battle back with elbows, but Ryback knocks him down with a big back elbow. Delayed vertical suplex follow and we see Sandow watching on from backstage. Miz rakes the eyes, and then sidesteps Ryback, who ends up posting himself. Miz lays the boots to the Big Guy and then chokes him out in the ropes. The cover then gets two count. Ryback with rights now, but Miz fires back and then kicks him in the face. Ryback blocks another kick and hits a spinebuster. Meat hook clothesline connects, shell shock, finish.

Winner: Ryback

Josh’s Reaction: It was nice seeing Cesaro name enscribed into the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Trophy. The match was good solid and effectivet tv match. Ryback and Miz maximized their time in the ring. I do think that Ryback is the favorite to win the battle royal, but don’t surprised if Miz is a favorite as well since he’s one of the few active wrestlers who are undefeated at WrestleMania.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 86/100 B

Roman Reigns & Mark Henry Segment:

Reigns says you all just saw what Heyman does every week. Heyman claims he knows Reigns and his family, but he constantly disrespects them by calling them cannibals. And he also takes every opportunity to tell Reigns that he can’t. He cannot stand disrespect and he will not accept anyone telling him that he can’t do something. He will beat Lesnar at WrestleMania and win the WWE World Title. But before he can speak more, Mark Henry makes his return and heads to the ring. Henry says he was listening to Reigns, and had to come out here. Either Reigns is a comedian or one too many coconuts hit him in the head. He tells Reigns has gotten under his skin. Henry tells Reigns he can’t win.

Henry says he’s the world’s strongest man, he has an identity, Reigns doesn’t. Henry has faced Lesnar, he broke his arm and almost killed him. He asks is the fans or the boys respect him? You have to earn your respect here. Nobody will give it to you. Reigns says whatever and goes to leave, and Henry says these young kids think they know it all and pie faces Reigns. Reigns rebounds off the ropes and Superman punches Henry and drops him. Reigns stands tall as Henry rolls to the floor. Reigns then follows and spears Henry through the barricade. Reigns stands on the announce table and celebrates as the medical team attends to Henry. Reigns grabs the mic and says he’s sick of hearing he can’t because he can and he will. Believe that.

Josh’s Reaction: Awesome segment. It’s nice seeing Mark Henry he’s always been one of my favorite WWE heels. Henry was great in this segment, maybe Henry also forgot that Reigns also took out Mark Henry on multiple occassions. Think Paul Heyman also forgot that Reigns also laid out John Cena, The Rock and The Undertaker. This was the segment Reigns has been needing over the last couple of weeks. Got quick to the point and he caused pure chaos. Reigns should have that standpoint that I’m here you tell I can’t do this I can’t do that screw you I’m going to prove you wrong. Great segment.

Grade for this Segment: 98/100 A

Third Match: AJ Lee & Paige vs. Summer Rae & Cameron

Paige and Cameron to start. Paige lays the boots to her, slams her to the corner and tags in AJ. Back elbow connects and then a corner splash follows for AJ. Summer distracts AJ, allowing Cameron to attack. Split kick to AJ follows and then the cover gets two count. Summer tags in, they double team AJ and then Summer covers for two count. Chinlock by Summer, she breaks and sends Paige to the floor and then slams AJ to her corner. Tag to Cameron, kicks to AJ follow. AJ fights back and tags in Paige. Summer in as well and clotheslines by Paige connect and then the dropkick. She knocks Cameron to the floor, scorpion cross lock on Summer and she taps. AJ and Paige celebrate as the Bellas are not impressed. They head to the floor and then we have a stand off and the ref has to get in the middle to separate them.

Winner: AJ Lee & Paige

Josh’s Reaction: I was kinda of indifferent about this divas tag team match, but it served its purpose. The confrontation between Paige/AJ and The Bella was kinda of cheesy as well. I have this odd feeling that Paige will take the Divas Championship away from Nikki Bella on Raw.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 73/100 C

Mark Henry Backstage Segment:

Mark Henry was backstage and said he was trying to see what Reigns was made of. Henry says that Reigns made him a believer, and that he isn’t sure that Reigns can defeat Lesnar but he believes in him. Henry just had to see for himself, and that kid is an animal.

Randy Orton Interview:

Orton went into depth about his feelings on what happen to him in October. Orton talked about fooling The Authority in believing that they can trust him. Orton talked about how it felt to go after Seth Rollins. Michael Cole asked Orton if he’s ready to deal with the consequence that’s coming his way from The Authority and Orton said yes and it was worth it. Cole also asked Orton what’s the first thing he’s going to do when enters the arena for Raw. Orton says that he’s going to spite in Rollin’s face and challenge him to a match at WrestleMania.

Ambrose and Barrett to begin. Lock up, off the ropes and a shoulder block by Ambrose. He hits another, and then hits the Muta like elbow drop and then stomps away on Barrett. Ambrose works the arm, tags in Ziggler and Barrett with rights stops his advance, Stardust tags in and beats down Ziggler with clubbing rights in the corner. Stardust then misses a charge, Ziggler tags in Bryan who hits the axe handle off the ropes and then looks for the surfboard. He hooks in the hold as Ambrose talks shit to Stardust. Truth watches on from backstage and Stardust escapes. Tag to Barrett, misses the boot and Bryan with the drop toehold and then uppercuts. Barrett back with clubbing blows to the back of Bryan, and tags Stardust back in. Bryan fights back, Irish whip and shotgun dropkick connects. He sets Stardust up top and follows him up, RANA connects and as Bryan goes for the knee, Stardust bails to the floor.

Harper gets a cover on Bryan, who kicks out at two. Harper controls with a side headlock on the mat, Bryan fights to his feet and works to get Harper to his corner but gets cut off. Tag to Barrett, and he slams Bryan to the corner. He sets Bryan across the ropes and delivers shots to the back and then a kick to the gut, the cover get two count. Tag to Stardust, he stomps away on Bryan and then tags in Harper. Bryan counters with a roll up and gets two count. Kick to the head connects and both men are down. Bryan looks for the tag, and Ambrose and Stardust are in now. Bulldog connects after clotheslines. Facebuster by Ambrose gets two count as Barrett makes the save. Ambrose to the floor and takes out Harper. Stardust gets pulled to the floor and then Ambrose heads up top and hits the big elbow to both men. Jawbreaker lariat to Stardust then follows, he goes for Dirty Deeds but Barrett stops that. They brawl to the floor and Harper takes out Ambrose with the big boot as we head to another commercial.

Barrett works over Ambrose and then covers for two count. he works the side headlock, tag to Stardust and he sets Ambrose up top. Stardust follows and he tries the superplex, blocked and Ambrose dumps Stardust to the mat. Missile dropkick connects and both men are down. Tags to Ziggler and Harper, Ziggler cleans house on Harper and delivers elbow drops and covers for two count. Fameasser connects, but Harper kicks out. It breaks down, the faces clear the ring and then Ambrose and Bryan hit dives as Harper hits the big boot and powerbomb on Ziggler, but only gets two count. Harper grabs up Ziggler in the torture rack, but he escapes and hits the zigzag. Blind tag by Bryan, knee strike connects and that is all. Cole congratulates Bryan on his win. Ziggler interrupted and said Bryan stole the win, but that it was cool because it was WrestleMania season and that it’s every man for himself. Ambrose then interrupted and said that Ziggler has an inferiority complex when it comes to Bryan, and that while everyone thinks Bryan is a nice guy, he’s just a turd. Yup. He left. Ziggler agreed, and Bryan laughed it off.

Winner: Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler

Josh’s Reaction: Fun main event as expected, but odd end to the show to say the least.

Scott Stanford, Corey Graves, and David Otunga hosted from WWE Headquarters. Graves noted that Raw is being held in his hometown of Pittsburgh. They spoke about the Arnold Classic event, and Graves noted that he hosted the WWE Experience. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman were hyped for Raw. Stanford questioned what Lesnar would say about his future with WWE and the main event at WrestleMania. They also hyped Wiz Khalifa as the guest star. Roman Reigns faces Seth Rollins and Randy Orton in a handicap match on Raw. The hosts played up whether Undertaker will respond to Bray Wyatt. Otunga said there’s a chill in the air and tonight could be the night Wyatt gets a response from Taker. Graves said he doesn’t know if Taker has anything left in the tank, but he said that if he does he will respond to Wyatt. Backstage at Raw, Renee Young interviewed Bad News Barrett about not having possession of the title belt. He said he would be facing Daniel Bryan on Raw. With a few minutes left in the show, they once again mentioned that Brock Lesnar will appear on Raw, then made predictions about what he would say. They closed the show with their bold predictions.

WWE Raw:

The Authority & Randy Orton Segment:

Randy Orton makes his way to the ring. Seth Rollins, Kane, Big Show, Jamie Noble, and Joey Mercury are already in the ring. Kane tells Randy that they could have done this in private, behind closed doors before the show started, but they wanted to do this in the ring in public, to prove to everyone that you are one of us to rub it in their face and show their ignorance. Kane says that he welcomes Randy back into the Authority. Big Show says they go back a long time and then Show waits to deal with the ignorant ‘You Sold Out’ chants before continuing. Show says that when he looks at Randy, he sees the most talented and sadistic Superstar. He is so ruthless that he would RKO his own father if he stood in the way of what he wanted. Show says that he stood up for Randy and told them what he could provide. He welcomes Randy back into the Authority. Jamie Noble says that he is proud and he calls Randy a no good snake who cannot be trusted. Seth tells Randy to excuse Jamie because he has always been the sensitive one. He asks Jamie if he was offended when Randy gave him an RKO. He says that Jamie is 100% thrilled that Randy is back, just like Joey. Joey doesn’t want to say anything.

Seth tells Randy to cut them some slack. He wants to address the elephant in the room. Everyone in the WWE Universe has been saying the same thing. They are saying that Randy Orton is not part of the Authority. Randy is just biding his time until he gets his revenge on Seth Rollins. You guys must feel like the biggest idiots on Planet Earth right now. Seth says it is not because you live in Pittsburgh, but because he is standing side by side with Randy Orton in the same ring as proud members of the Authority. Seth says everyone had a little bit of doubt, including himself. He is willing to say that he had some doubt. Everyone had doubts, even Big Show, but no one cares what Big Show thinks. Seth wonders why everyone is so stressed out. He says they are all back together as one big happy family. Seth says that he wants to extend his hand and welcome Randy home. Seth wants everyone to give it up for Randy Orton. Randy says that was very touching. He thanks everyone for the kind words and he felt it in the bottom of his heart. It left him thinking about something. What the hell happened to the Authority? You guys are kissing his ass. Who do you think you are?

Kane was the Devil’s Favorite Demon, now are you the Devil’s Favorite Dumbass? Are you kicking ass and taking names or kissing ass and making coffee? Why isn’t Big Show the most dominant man in the WWE. Instead, you bitch and moan about yourself. From the most dominant superstar to the most pathetic. Jamie, you speak from your gut, but why do you despise him so much? Is it because people know who he is or is it because Randy can get on all the rides at Disneyland. Randy says his daughter feels the same way, but she is six years old. Randy ignores Joey completely before going to Seth. You are the self proclaimed future of the WWE. You have been blinded by your ego so much that you cannot see. Randy has been getting close to your ‘family’ to make sure that you are safe and secure. At that time, he will strike. Not only will he beat Seth, he will make Seth his bitch. You are going to feel every stomp, kick, and punch as he takes him apart piece by piece until there is no future for Seth Rollins. Randy says that he is just playing around with you. He is messing around and Seth laughs with him. Seth tells Randy he had him good and maybe Randy should take over for Jon Stewart. Wait until you see what him and his partner do tonight when they really have fun when they dismantle Roman Reigns and derail him on his Road to Wrestlemania.

Josh’s Reaction: Nice way to start off Raw and thought that there was good back and forth barbing between Orton and The Authority. Great heel work from The Authority. Funny comedy routine from Randy Orton when he was running down the other members of The Authority. I thought it was a good segment because they were playing posse and it adds more speculation as to if Orton was telling truth and if he could trust The Authority. Good start to the show 10 minute segment didn’t drag too long, so I can’t complain.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 91/100 A-

First Match: Daniel Bryan vs. Bad News Barrett

Bryan with a wrist lock and hammer lock. Barrett with an elbow but Bryan with a knee to the midsection. Bryan with a knee drop and he gets a near fall. Bryan with a hammer lock and he takes Barrett to the mat and he applies a knee drop to the arm. Barrett with an elbow after he backs Bryan into the corner. Barrett kicks Bryan and the referee warns him. Barrett with a snap mare but he misses a knee drop. Bryan with a kick to the back of the leg and then he works on the arm. Bryan with a double underhook and he follows with a butterfly suplex for a near fall. Bryan goes back to the hammer lock. Barrett with a forearms and Irish whip but he runs into a boot from Bryan and then Bryan kicks Barrett into the corner but Bryan goes for the running drop kick, but Barrett with a boot to the head.

Barrett puts Bryan in the ropes and he connects with a series of knees and follows with a running boot that sends Bryan to the floor as we go to commercial. Barrett has Bryan on the top turnbuckle and Barrett with a knee to the midsection and then he goes for a superplex and hits it. Barrett gets a near fall. Barrett gets Bryan on his shoulders but Bryan escapes. Bryan with a crucifix for a near fall and then he follows with the flying knee and he gets the three count. After the match, Bryan celebrates and Barrett hits Bryan with a Bullhammer when Bryan turns around as he comes off the turnbuckles. Dean Ambrose’s music plays and he attacks Barrett with a running forearm.

Winner: Daniel Bryan

Josh’s Reaction: Solid match there with Bryan & Barrett. I liked the match my only problem with it is that the commentary barely talked about what was going in the ring. Alot of attention was put on R-Truth and comedy instead of the ladder match and the match that was currently going on. I think that’s a spit in a face to both Bryan and Barrett. Not bothered by the fact that Barrett continues to lose non title matches because once again he’s a heel if a bad guy character loses on tv what’s the problem. I thought it was good however that Barrett did take out Bryan after the match was over, but that moment of shine was quickly taken away when Dean Ambrose laid out Bad News Barrett.

Grade for this Match/Storyline 85/100 B

Second Match: Dean Ambrose vs. Stardust

Back and forth to start the match. Ambrose drops Stardust for a quick pin attempt. Ambrose works Stardust over but Stardust fights back. Ambrose counters with a knee to the gut and a kick. Ambrose runs Stardust’s face along the top rope. Stardust fights back again but Ambrose slaps him in the face. Ambrose sends Stardust out to the floor and follows up with a dive. Ambrose brings it back in the ring but Stardust cuts him off on the apron. Stardust whips the leg on the apron and kicks Ambrose back to the floor. We go to commercial. Back from the break and Ambrose is making a comeback. Ambrose unloads and runs over Stardust with forearms. Ambrose with a running bulldog. Ambrose ends up hitting the big clothesline off the ropes. Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds for the win.

After the match, Ambrose grabs the Intercontinental Title belt and holds it up but Bad News Barrett attacks him from behind. Daniel Bryan runs down next and gets involved in the fight. Luke Harper is next, followed by Dolph Ziggler to a pop. R-Truth sneaks over with his potato sack and puts the title belt into it. Ambrose tosses Bryan. Stardust takes out Ambrose. Ziggler takes out Stardust with a superkick. Harper takes down Ziggler with a clothesline. Bryan hits the knee on Harper. Barrett hits the Bullhammer on Bryan. Barrett looks around for his title and JBL tells on Truth. Barrett grabs the sack and takes off through the crowd with it, stopping to pose. Truth runs off to the stage with something clutched tight. Barrett pulls the belt out of his bag and it’s a replica. Truth pulls the real title out of a sack on the stage and poses with it as his music hits.

Winner: Dean Ambrose

Josh’s Reaction: You get a good match with Bryan/Barrett and WWE follows up with another good match with Stardust/Ambrose. You got 30 minutes of Raw to build into this Intercontinental Title Championship Ladder Match at WrestleMania. The Intercontinental Championship wouldn’t be relevant if they took 30 minutes on Raw one title feud that’s saying something especially since WrestleMania is right around the corner. I thought Ambrose and Stardust clicked well in the ring together. I don’t think Stardust or Daniel Bryan will be in the match, but there was a nice brawl and the IC Title feud has been on a massive roll on this road to WrestleMania 31.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 90/100 A-

We get a WWE Hall of Fame video for Connor The Crusher, who will receive the Warrior Award. We come back to a big applause in the arena and Connor’s brother & father at ringside.

Paul Heyman & Brock Lesnar Promo:

Heyman talks about the upcoming WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 31 between his client — Brock Lesnar — and Roman Reigns. Heyman introduces a video package, which shows a Roman Reigns interview. Reigns talks about his life in the interview, including him pointing out that The Rock told him in his ear to stay humble and remember his family at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view earlier this year. With that said, Heyman introduces the champion himself — Brock Lesnar. Lesnar’s music plays and the champ makes his way to the ring. Lesnar stands by quietly as Heyman continues to speak. Heyman warns WWE not to pull a “Montreal Screwjob” scenario on them at WrestleMania.

As Heyman continues to speak, his mic cuts out. Heyman says it’s funny because whoever behind the curtain is responsible for this simply won’t come down to the ring and take the belt out of his hands. This leads to Heyman bringing up the UFC title and what do you know? Heyman’s mic cuts off again. Heyman then brings up Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacqiauo. He says the WWE World Heavyweight Championship no longer belongs to WWE — it belongs to Brock Lesnar — and he’s not giving it back. Lesnar’s “advocate” then brings up Lesnar beating The Rock at SummerSlam years ago and sending him to Hollywood. After that, he brings up Lesnar ending The Undertaker’s streak at WrestleMania. Then, he brings up Lesnar squashing John Cena at last year’s SummerSlam. Heyman wraps up the promo.

Josh’s Reaction: Another epic promo from Paul Heyman. He can sell Simon Dean vs Heidenreich as the main event of WrestleMania that’s how good he is. Only thing I will disagree with him is the whole mixing MMA and Pro Wrestling together. If I wanted to watch the UFC I will watch it on UFC Fight Pass not on USA Network during a PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING SHOW! Nonetheless really good promo from Paul Heyman.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 100/100 A+

Bray Wyatt Promo:

Bray Wyatt appears backstage after the Lesnar-Heyman segment. We see that he has The Undertaker’s urn. Wyatt simply tells Undertaker, “tonight — find me.” The picture cuts out and we head to a commercial break.

Third Match: Kane & Big Show vs Ryback & Erick Rowan

Ryback goes for the Meathook early on but Kane runs over him with a big boot. Big Show tags in and hits a big spear for a close call. Show works Ryback over and beats him around the ring now. Show drops Ryback with a shoulder and yells at the fans. Kane tags in and hits a boot to the head. Kane goes for a suplex but Ryback counters and hits one of his own.

The finish comes when Show goes for the knockout punch on Rowan but accidentally hits Kane. Ryback takes Show out on the floor and Rowan gets the pin on Kane. After the match, Big Show comes back in the ring and argues with Kane. Stephanie McMahon’s music hits and out she comes yelling at them. She tells Big Show to shut up and is upset about how they’re acting this close to WrestleMania and about how they’re representing WWE. Stephanie yells at them to get out of her ring and orders them to leave.

Winner: Ryback & Erick Rowan

Josh’s Reaction: Wished the match went longer nothing really special here. Surprised that Stephanie came out of no where and told them to leave the building. Something must be up with Stephanie cause two weeks in a row she just comes out here to scream at people.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 75/100 C

The Miz, Wiz Khalifa and Damien Mizdow Backstage Segment:

Wiz Khalifa is backstage with The Miz now. Wiz isn’t sure about working with The Miz because of last week’s commercial. Wiz says he also met a real WWE Superstar and introduces Wizdow. Damien Sandow appears and starts rapping. Sandow announces himself for the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. The Miz leaves upset and we go to commercial.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 93/100 A-

Wiz Khalifa Concert:

1.) We Dem Boys

2.) Black & Yellow

3.) All in the Family

The Bella Twins Promo:

We see a clip from the new WWE Flintstones movie. Byron Saxton is backstage with The Bella Twins, who brag about being in the movie. They’re planning on knocking AJ Lee and Paige back into the Stone Age at WrestleMania.

Fourth Match: AJ Lee w/Paige vs Summer Rae w/Cameron and Eva Marie

Summer strikes first and they go at it. AJ comes back with a dropkick. Summer ends up taking control and keeping AJ grounded. AJ finally turns it around out of the corner and hits a Thesz Press. AJ with more offense and a big clothesline in the corner. AJ hits a neckbreaker and a DDT for a two count. AJ runs into a kick from Summer and goes down for a two count. Summer is frustrated now. AJ counters another move and makes Summer tap with the Black Widow.

Winner: AJ Lee

Josh’s Reaction: Short divas match which is unfortunate because Summer Rae is a very good athlete and I think if the match went a little bit longer then it was. For the time it had it was alright. It’s nice seeing AJ Lee back in the ring not only is she a great sight to see, but she’s a good performer.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 79/100 C+

Sting’s Promo:

Sting says that he has been called a vigilante, but he is more than that. He is the face of retribution. He is the silencer of injustice. He is Sting. He has been watching you. He knows how power and ego can corrupt and destroy lives. When WCW perished, it fell on a broken authority. He tried to save WCW, but he failed. He knows pain. He knows the pain of loss. After Wrestlemania, you will too. You talk about control, but you cannot control vengeance. You will collapse beneath your thirst for control. Sting says he loyalty never changed. You need to be taken down. He has been waiting 14 years to do it. At Wrestlemania the game is over.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 94/100 A

Rusev and John Cena Backstage Segment:

Rusev walks in the back with Lana and he is stopped by John Cena. Rusev tells Cena he won’t get a match. Cena does not care. He knows that wrestling at Wrestlemania is a privilege, not a right. You have had the privilege to come to this country to support your family. Be a proud hero of the Russian Federation. It does not give you the right to go to the ring every week to denigrate this country. Cena says he has the right to shut Rusev’s mouth. Cena tells Rusev to say one word about the United States, we won’t need a match at Wrestlemania.

Grade for this Segment: 86/100 B

Fifth Match: Rusev w/Lana vs Curtis Axel

Rusev kicks Axel as he enters the ring and the referee pulls Axel away before he will start the match. Axel punches Rusev but Rusev with a jumping thrust kick. Rusev rolls Axel over and stomps on his back and applies the Accolade and Axel taps out. Rusev takes his time to release the hold, but he does. Rusev wants a mic but Lana suggests that maybe he stay silent tonight. Rusev will not listen to Lana and he says that this title represents each and every one of you because he is delusional. In the real Hulkamania days, America was strong. You live in the past. You Americans want to negotiate. You are spineless. If you had a spine you would be made of jello. If you had a heart, it would be full of disease. If you had a soul, God would look down and spit on it.

Rusev is pleased with what he had to say, but John Cena comes out and he is not in a mood to talk. Cena makes his way to the ring and Rusev kicks Cena but Cena with a double leg take down and he puts Rusev in the STF. Cena leans back to apply more pressure and Rusev passes out. While the medical staff checks on Rusev, Cena comes back into the ring with a bottle of water and he revives Rusev. Cena reapplies the STF and Rusev taps. Lana tells Cena to please let him go. Lana agrees to give Cena the match at Wrestlemania. And she says the match will be for the United States Title.

Winner: Rusev

Josh’s Reaction: That was pretty good I’m not a Cena fan, but at the same I don’t rag tag him like everybody else and I do have respect for him. That was perfect that was all they needed to do to get this match going. We needed to see the aggressive John Cena and we got it.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 85/100 B

Bray Wyatt Promo:

Bray Wyatt is back and he says that he would walk through the fires of hell to see you. He cannot wait much longer. Tonight, he raises the dead. Find me.

Sixth Match: Tyson Kidd & Cesaro vs. The New Day

Kidd and Woods start things off and Kidd with a waist lock into a side head lock. Woods with a head scissors and Irish whip followed by a forearm into the corner. Big E tags in and he sends Woods into Kidd in the corner and Big E gets a near fall. Big E with a back breaker and he holds on for a second one. Woods tags in and Big E with a third one and he sends Kidd into the turnbuckles for snake eyes and Woods with an enzuigiri and he gets a near fall.

Kidd with an elbow and he kicks Woods and goes to the apron. Cesaro tries to interfere but Woods takes care of him. Cesaro clips Woods and he kicks Woods. Cesaro with a European uppercut and he tags Kidd back in and he kicks Woods and works on the injured leg. Cesaro slams the injured leg into the mat and Kidd with a step over toe hold. Cesaro tags in and he kicks Woods in the injured leg. Cesaro with a single leg crab on Woods. Woods kicks Cesaro away but Kidd tags in and he takes care of Big E. Woods with a front driver out of a wheelbarrow position after Natalya distracted Tyson and Woods gets the three count.

Winner: The New Day

Josh’s Reaction: Surprised the New Day won the match wasn’t expecting to see New Day be involved in the WWE Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania. The match was okay from what was going in the ring, but the crowd couldn’t care less about this match.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 78/100 C+

Seventh Match: Naomi w/The Usos vs. Natalya w/Tyso Kidd & Cesaro

Back from the break and the Diva are trading pin attempts before fighting to their feet, still locked up, and trading holds. Natalya catches a kick and throws Naomi to the mat but she lands it with a split. Natalya decks her for a two count. A brawl breaks out between The Usos and the champions at ringside. Naomi hits the Rearview on Natalya for the win. After the match, Natalya grabs Kidd’s title belt and walks off with it, saying it’s hers. The music hits for Los Matadores and out they come with El Torito. They stop and look at Kidd, Cesaro and Natalya before going to the ring.

Winner: Naomi

Josh’s Reaction: Just another match what else can I say. I know that these two can put on a really good, but how can we see that when you break into a commercial and then you see two minutes of action.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 69/100 D+

Eight Match: The Usos w/Naomi vs. Los Matadores w/El Torito

Jey Uso starts off with Fernando and they go at it. Fernando gets the upperhand as we go to commercial. Back from the break and The Usos have taken control of the match. Jimmy Uso finally gets a tag and comes off the top with a big splash for two count. One of the Matadores with a big counter into a DDT for a two count. One of the Matadores comes off the top but Uso superkicks him in mid-air for a two count as the other Matadore broke the pin. Uso nails a Samoan Drop on one of the Matadores as he’s trying to dive out of the ring. El Torito gets on the ropes and distracts Uso, allowing Fernando get the win via roll up on Jimmy.

Winner: Los Matadores

Josh’s Reaction: Solid match and I was surprised that Los Matadores won. I think we’ll see a tag team turmoil for the WWE Tag Team Championship on the pre-show for WrestleMania.

Grade for this Match/Storyline: 74/100 C

Seth Rollins Backstage Segment:

Mercury and Noble are backstage with Seth Rollins. He tells them to trust him in regards to Randy Orton. Rollins says they all like to kid around and that’s what Orton was doing. Rollins says they need to focus on Reigns tonight and give him what he deserves.

Grade for this Segment/Storyline: 83/100 B

Bray Wyatt and The Undertaker Segment:

Bray says he won’t worship The Undertaker. He doesn’t even want to stand by Taker’s side, he just wants to walk over his bones on the way to the throne. Wyatt says he is the new face of fear. Wyatt says all these people used to fear Taker. Wyatt says WrestleMania will be Taker’s resurrection and his requiem, his final resting place. Wyatt asks Taker to come out and accept the challenge, wherever he is. Wyatt shows us the urn sitting on a table. Wyatt asks if the urn can bring back the dead. He drops the mic and grabs the urn. He holds it with both hands and laughs. He puts it back down and tells everyone that it’s empty and shallow, just like… the urn starts smoking. The lights flicker and we see The Undertaker’s lighting on the big screens. The bells toll and the lights go out to a big pop. Wyatt yells. A spotlight chines down over the urn in the middle of the ring. We hear The Undertaker’s voice. He says Wyatt will Rest In Peace and there’s a WrestleMania “The Man Comes Around” graphic on the big screen. Wyatt’s rocking chair flames up and starts burning in the middle of the ring. Wyatt looks on and laughs. Taker’s music hits as Wyatt stares at the burning rocking chair.

Reigns knocks Rollins down first and goes to work. Rollins ends up sending Reigns to the floor. The Stooges go to attack him but back off when the referee turns around. Reigns and Rollins go at it in the ring now. Reigns with a slam for a one count. Rollins counters and takes out Reigns’ knee. Rollins works Reigns over and takes him down by the neck for a pin attempt. After some stalling and more back and forth, Reigns brings it back in and hits a big clothesline. Rollins turns it around with a kick to the back of the head after ducking a clothesline. Rollins goes to tag in Orton but Orton pulls his arm back. The crowd pops. Rollins asks Orton what he’s doing. Orton makes it clear he’s not taking a tag and the crowd pops again. Rollins turns around to a spear from Reigns for the win.

After the bell, Reigns poses and exits the ring. Orton stares Rollins down from the steps at ringside. Orton walks in the ring and stalks Rollins. Orton picks Rollins up and smacks him around. Orton tosses Rollins over the top rope and follows. Rollins tries to crawl away but Orton clotheslines him. Orton whips Rollins into a camera man and they go down. Orton takes apart the steel steps and puts Rollins’ head on it. Orton asks Rollins if heremembers what he did to Orton. Orton whips Rollins into another set of steps. Orton disses The Authority and talks trash to Rollins before beating him with several uppercuts. Orton knocks Rollins over the barrier with a big uppercut.

Orton follows Rollins into the crowd and beats him around with a steel chair. Orton with more trash taking in Rollins’ face. Orton with another uppercut. Orton brings Rollins back over the barrier with a draping DDT. Rollins is left face down on the floor now. Orton launches Rollins over the announce table and face first into a chair. Orton takes apart the announce table. Orton takes Rollins to the top of the announce table and puts him through it with a RKO. Orton’s music hits as Rollins is left laying face down on the broken table. RAW goes off the air.